Fem

FEM Nastran/ Patran
Unit 3
Course Objective
Supplements to FEM & FEA
To Introduce Nastran & Patran
To Introduce the Pre & Post processing
To Understand Linear & Non-linear Static, Buckling and Modal Analyses
Approaches
To Understand Results Validation and Reporting in Different Application
illustrations
Quality Standards
Best Practices
2 CAE_SE02_UNIT3 Ver: 0.0b

Contents
FEM Nastran & Patran
Section 1: FEM recap
Why FEM?
VPD & Simulation
Analysis Process Overview
Commercial Tools
Section 2: Nastran - Basics

Capabilities
Elements
Loads & BCs
Load Cases
PARAM Cards
Errors
Quality Attributes
Co-ordinate Systems
Outputs
Files
Units
Best Practices

Contents
FEM Nastran & Patran
Section 3 Patran - Preprocessing

GUI/Files
Geometry
FEM
Loads & BCs
Properties
Load Cases
Analysis Interface
Best Practices
Section 4: Patran Groups
Organisation of Groups
Best Practices
Summary for Day 1

Day 2
Section 5: FEM Quality Assurance
Quality Standards
Quality Checks
Best Practices
Pitfalls
Section 6: Patran - Postprocessing
Results options
Load Combinations
Advanced Features
Best Practices
Section 7: FEA Advanced Analysis
Free Vibration
Linear Buckling
Nonlinear Statics
Section 8: Hands on
Summary for Day 2

Day 3
Section 9-12: Hands on
Static Analysis
Buckling Analysis
Free Vibration Analysis
Summary for Day 3

FEM Nastran / Patran
Section 1 - Recap
What is the Finite Element Method
The Finite Element Method is a numerical technique for solving complex engineering
problems by breaking them into smaller manageable problems.
To analyse a structure by the FE Method, the engineering

problem is re-defined as a numerical model where the structure
is broken down into finite number of regions or parts, called
Elements. The elements are connected to each other at grid
points, also called Nodes. The assembly of elements
interconnected at nodes, is called the finite element Mesh.

What is the Finite Element Method (contd.)
The attributes of the structural system (materials, physical properties, loads, constraints, etc.)
are added to the finite element mesh to represent the engineering problem as closely to
reality as possible.
Supports
Load
Elements are assigned a thickness

and material properties such as
Modulus, Poissons ratio etc.
Supports

Why FEM?
y
Consider a Tip Loaded Cantilever Beam A P
At section A-A, the Bending Moment is M P( L x) x

M E
From Engineers Theory of Bending, we know x
I y R A
M E
For Evaluation of deflection start with L
I R
2
1 d w
The curvature is defined as 2
R dx
d 2w d 2w M d 2w P( L x)
Therefore, M EI
dx 2 dx 2 EI dx 2 EI
PLx 2 Px3
Integrating twice, we get w C1 x C2
2 EI 6 EI
dw
C1 and C2 are obtained by applying the boundary conditions w 0 @ x 0 and 0 @ x 0
dx
Px3 PLx 2 dw Px 2 PLx My P( L x) y
w and Stress,
6 EI 2 EI dx 2 EI EI I I
We have an exact solution. . . but, the problem is simple and not particularly practical. . .
Why FEM? (Contd. )
A cantilever in realistic engineering world could look like this: Tip Load Applied
with non-uniform sections, optimization holes, stiffeners and other features
Fixed Edge
Finite Element Model
FEM gives an ability to solve such complex problems. Output result values like stresses,
deflections, reactions etc., can be calculated in great detail and can be visualized as shown
below.
Deflection Results
Stress Distribution

How does FEM work? - Degrees of Freedom
The engineering equation solved by Linear Static FEM is Hookes Law F = KX, where F is the applied
force, K is the structural stiffness and X is the structural displacement.
In order to apply this equation to a structure discretised using nodes and elements, the structural
displacements and the applied forces are defined in terms of degrees of freedom at each node.
In three dimensional space, there are six degrees of freedom at each node - three translations and three
rotations. These are in the directions of predetermined coordinate axes.
z
Displaced
Position
x Three rotations (x y z )
y
uz
uy
Z ux Three translations (ux, uy, uz)
Original
Position
Y
A nodal displacement vector (ux, uy, uz, x, y, z)

How does FEM work ? Rod Element Example
Consider an elastic Rod of uniform cross section A under axial tensile load F.
F
Stress,
A
L
Strain, F
L
L
FromHooke' s Law E
L
F L EA
Therefore *E F * L Cross section area = A
A L L Material Modulus = E
F
EA
i.e. F K * L where K
L
Where K is the axial stiffness of the rod, which is a structural characteristic.
F=KX
This is the basic governing equation behind Linear Static FEM

The Rod Element - Stiffness Matrix
Derivation of stiffness in matrix form
X=L
From static equilibriu m F 0; Fx1 Fx 2 0 Ux2 Fx2
Therefore Fx1 Fx 2 2
L
Fx1 Fx 2
Stress at Grid 1: x1 Stress at Grid 2 : x 2 X=0
A A
Ux1
U U x1
The extension strain , x x 2 1
L y
x Fx1
FromHooke' s Law x E x
Fx1 x1 A E x A
EA
U x 2 U x1
L
EA EA EA EA
Fx1 U x2 U x1 Similarly Fx 2 U x2 U x1
L L L L
Fx1 EA 1 1 U x1

L 1 1 U x 2
We can rewrite the equations in Matrix form
Fx 2
Element stiffness matrix
F k u
where
EA 1 1
k the elemental stiffness matrix k
L 1 1
for a single rod element.
F the vector of forces (known)
u the displacements vector (unknown)
Each element type (Bar, Beam, Plate, Solid etc) has its own stiffness matrix.
The stiffness matrices for more complicated elements are determined based on the
energy principles explained in the following slides.
A systematic and generalised formulation of stiffness matrices is possible based

on Energy Principles.

Global Stiffness Matrix
The finite element mesh of a real structure is an assemblage of many elements. FEM
computes a stiffness matrix for each element of the model and the matrices are
assembled to represent the structure. The Assembled matrix is called global Stiffness
Matrix.
Element level
stiffness matrix and
force displacement
F elem k elem uelem relations.
Collection of element stiffness

matrices and assembly will lead to
F K u
K = Is the Global Stiffness Matrix

Global Stiffness Matrix - an example
For Element 1
EA1 1 1 u x1 A3
k1 u1
L1 1 1 x2
u
A2
For Element 2
A1
1 1 u
k2 EA2 1 1 u2 x 2
L2 u x 3
For Element 3
1 1 u x 3
k3 EA3
1 1 u3
L3 u x 4
Global stiffness matrix is assembled from elemental stiffness matrices as illustrated below.
EA1 EA1
L 0 0
u x1 1
L1

u EA1 EA1 EA2

EA2
0
x2 K L1
{P} K {u}
L1 L2 L2
EA2 EA2 EA3 EA3
u x 3 0
L2 L2 L3 L3
u x 4 EA3 EA3
0 0
L3
L3

Properties of Stiffness Matrices
For real structures, stiffness matrices will have the following characteristics:
Stiffness matrices, k (element) and K (global/structure) are square and symmetric

Diagonal coefficients of k and of K are positive
Size of stiffness matrix is N x N, where N = total number of DOF
The stiffness matrix of structure that includes mechanisms is singular
All stiffness matrices are singular (det[K] = 0) before the introduction of boundary conditions.
You can see this by observing that the terms in any column or row sum to zero.

Applying boundary conditions
The global stiffness matrix [K] of the 3 element model cannot be solved unless the structure is adequately
supported by boundary conditions. An unsupported structure can undergo rigid body motions.
u1 u2 u3 u4
EA1 EA1
L 0 0 u1
L1
1
EA1 EA1 EA2

EA2
0 u2
K L1 L1
EA2
L2 L2
EA2 EA3

EA3
0 u3
u1 u2 u3
L2 L2 L3 L3 u4
EA3 EA3
0 u4 P
L3
0
L3
To solve this problem boundary conditions have to be applied to prevent rigid body translation.
To achieve this at least one displacement DOF must be constrained. E.g. define u1 = 0
To impose this displacement boundary condition discard the rows and columns corresponding to
the constrained DOFs. (Delete Row 1 and Column 1 to enforce u1 = 0.)
Define the load vector with the Force, P applied at the Node 4.

Solving for unknowns
On application of boundary conditions, the [K]{u} = {F} equation for the structure will be
u1 u2 u3 u4
EA1 EA1
L 0 0 u1 0
L1
1 EA1 EA2 EA2
EA1 EA1 EA2

EA2
0 u2 0 0 u2 0
L1 L1 L2 L2 L1 L2 L2
EA2 EA3 = EA2 EA2 EA3 EA3
0
EA2 EA3
u = 0
u3 0 L2 L2 L3 L3 3
L2 L2 L3 L3
EA3 EA3 EA3 EA3
0
0 0
L3
u4 P
L3 L3 u4 P
L3
This will give three linear simultaneous equations as follows.
(k1 k2 )u2 k2u3 0 where

EA1 EA2 EA
k2u2 (k2 k3 )u3 k3u4 0 k1 , k2 & k3 3
L1 L2 L3
k2u3 k3u4 P
Three Equations and Three Unknowns hence can be solved by hand calculation.
However, a real world structure model with many elements will be unmanageable for manual
solution.
Linear Static Equation Solvers
Nastran solution phase of the linear static analysis solves the simultaneous equations:
K u F
This translates into n number of simultaneous equations where n = no. of d.o.f of the system
K n x n un x1 F n x1
Simplistic mathematical solution is to inverse the stiffness matrix
u K 1F
Realistically a structural analysis problem could have a

matrix size of the order of 10s or 100s of thousands.
Hence standard matrix inversion techniques are Example:
computationally expensive and inefficient. A small bracket meshed with
solid elements has 1200 nodes.
Nastran provides two solution methods: The matrix size will be
3600 x 3600
- Direct Solution
[ n = no of nodes x d.o.f/node ]
- Iterative Solution
[ n = 1200 x 3 ]

Commercial Tools - Summary
Pre & Structural Thermal Computational

Company Product Post-Processor Analysis Analysis Fluid Dynamics Remarks
MSC NASTRAN X X Linear and non-linear FE program for structural analysis
MSC Software
MSC. PATRAN X Pre and Post processing s/w suitable for Nastran and selective other analysis s/w
(MacNeal-
MSC. FATIGUE X X Life assessment analysis in conjunction with Nastran.
Schwendler
MSC. MARC X X X Non-linear focussed analysis s/w
Corporation)
MSC. Dytran X For highly non-linear dynamic analysis problems like crash, impact etc.
ANSYS - Structural X X Basic Structural Analysis

ANSYS - Mechanical X X X Thermal Analysis added to Structural Package
ANSYS. Inc
ANSYS - Multiphysics X X X X Electromagnetics, structures in interaction with Fluids, Thermal, Acoustics, Elelctromagnetic
ANSYS - FLOTRAN X X X Computational Fluid Dynamics
ABAQUS/CAE X Modeling environment supporting pre and post processing facilities.

ABAQUS ABAQUS/Standard X X Analysis module with linear and non-linear engineering simulations
ABAQUS/Explicit X Highspeed, non-linear and transient response dominated analysis tool
High performance pre and post processing s/w for major FE Solvers. Extensively used
HYPERMESH X in Automotive industry.
HYPERGRAPH X Data analysis and plotting tool; Interfaces with many file formats
Altair Engineering
OPTSTRUCT X Structural optimisation s/w for concept design phases - Topology Optimisation method.
HYPERFORM X Highly non-linear analysis s/w focussed for metal forming simulations
HKS NIKE3D X Non-linear focussed FEA software. Used in AirbusUK quite often.
LS-DYNA X Transient dynamic analysis focussed explicit FE program

Advanced interactive program for preparing input data for LS-DYNA and processing the results
Livermore Software LS-PrePost X from LS-DYNA analyses.
Technology Allows structure the design process, explore the design space and compute optimal designs
Corporation LS-OPT X according to specified constraints and objectives.

Nastran and Patran - Summary
MSC.Nastran is a general purpose finite element analysis program capable of
solving variety of engineering problems
Nastran is a FORTRAN program with millions of lines of code.
Nastran consists of building blocks called modules. Each module is a collection of subroutines
designed to perform specific tasks - e.g. calculating element stiffness matrices, assembling matrices,
applying boundary conditions, solving matrix equations, etc.
The modules are controlled by DMAP programs. Each solution sequence (e.g. SOL 101 =
Superelement Linear Statics) is a collection of hundreds or thousands of DMAP commands sending
instructions to the modules to perform the tasks required for the chosen solution.
Nastran is designed to run in Batch Mode.
MSC.Patran is a pre and post processing software program that enables:

- Direct geometry integration
- Interactive finite element modelling
- Graphical User Interface with Work Flow based Menu items
- Interactive Results visualization
- Support to a range of analysis software such as Nastran, Ansys, ABAQUS, etc.

Virtual Product Development & Simulation
Virtual Product Development (VPD) is an approach that takes a design at
the earliest concept stage and fully evaluates design specifications and
usage scenarios, and then uses this information to guide the development
process

Simulation Project
Simulation
Project
Analyzing the Model with

Environmental Loads

Finite Element Simulation Process
Pre-processing Solution Post-processing
Analysis Output files

(Nastran; f06, op2, . . )
Analysis Input File

(Nastran bulk data file)

Patran VPD Phases
Tools
Applications
Constructing simulation models
Collection of modules which
and backend support for
Perform specialized functions
Rendering numerical results
MSC. Patran
Simulation Task Interface
Control Panel for executing

Simulation tasks. Establish
Project databases and initiate
data exchanges, use tools and
Select applications.
Project Database Open Architecture
Frame work for each simulation Data exchange pathway through

Project. Database retains info., Which you can share information
Controls model parameters and With outside sources and
Receives CAD data. Other software programs.

Introduction to Nastran
Section 2 - Basics
Nastran Capabilities
Nastran is a general purpose finite element analysis software capable of performing wide
variety of analyses including:
Static Analysis - linear and nonlinear
Normal modes analysis
Buckling analysis
Frequency response analysis
Transient response analysis - linear and nonlinear
Substructure analysis: super elements
Heat transfer - steady state and transient; linear and non-linear
Design sensitivity and optimisation
Composite material analysis
Aero-elasticity
Acoustics
Nastran is designed to run in batch mode.
Nastran input file Nastran output files

Nastran job
filename.dat or filename.f06,
execution
filename.bdf filename.op2 etc.

Nastran Analysis
The following are the four analysis types covered in this training
Linear Static Analysis - SOL101

- Deflections are small relative to the structure
Modal Analysis - SOL103

- Natural frequencies of the structure and vibration
modes are evaluated
Non-linear Static Analysis - SOL106

- Deflections are considerably large and comparable to
structure size
Buckling Analysis - SOL105

- Elastic buckling loads are estimated

Nastran Files
Nastran Input File
xxxx.bdf Nastran bulk data file - Input file for Nastran analysis run. This can be created manually
or from pre-processing softrware like Patran, Hypermesh etc.
Nastran analysis run writes the following three text files by default
This file contains the text results of the analysis, such as the displacements, stresses,
etc., as well as any diagnostic messages.
xxxx.f06
This file is called xxxx.f06 where xxxx is the filename of the analysis file (xxxx.dat) that
was submitted.
This file contains the start and stop time for each module executed as well as the
xxxx.f04 size of the database file (if any).
This file is called xxxx.f04 where xxxx is the filename of the analysis file (xxxx.dat) that
was submitted
This file contains system information, such as the name of the computer you are
running on as well as any system errors encountered.
xxxx.LOG
This file is called xxxx.log where xxxx is the filename of the analysis file (xxxx.dat) that
was submitted
Additional output file from Nastran

The .OP2 file contains the MSC/NASTRAN results in readable format by some post-
processors such as MSC/PATRAN, SDRC/I-DEAS etc.
*.op2
This file will get generated with PARAM, POST,-1 card in the Case Control Section of
Nastran bulk data file
Nastran Files (.. Contd)
Nastran output file created with PARAM, post,0 in the input file.
xxxx.xdb The file format is suitable for post processing in MSC/XL and MSC/ARIES
or MSC/Nastran on Windows.
NOT generally used in AirbusUK
xxxx.pch An optional analysis results file
Created in the running directory during Nastran run.

This contains information about master directory of files and physical
xxxx.MASTER location of files used in the execution of the program
This is file necessary, if RESTART has to be invoked from aborted or
interrupted execution run
It is a database file containing input file, assembled matrix and solutions

xxxx.DBALL This is file necessary, if RESTART has to be invoked from aborted or
interrupted execution run

Typical Nastran Input file Used to modify system parameters
NASTRAN SYSTEM(1) = 4097 Nastran Statement
(for exceptional circumstances, not needed for most runs)
$ NASTRAN input file created by the MSC MSC/NASTRAN input file
$ translator ( MSC/PATRAN Version 9.0 ) on December 30, 2003 at
$ 17:22:05.
ASSIGN OUTPUT2 = 'test03_2_sfd_form.op2', UNIT = 12, FORM='FORMATTED' File Management Section Allocation of files, restart controls
$ Direct Text Input for File Management Section
$ Linear Static Analysis, Database

SOL 101 Solution Type, Time allowed,
TIME 600
$ Direct Text Input for Executive Control
Executive Control Section
CEND system diagnostics
SEALL = ALL
TITLE = Test03 Example created by Srini for Testing FESPS Utilities
ECHO = NONE
MAXLINES = 999999999
MPC = 17
SUBCASE 1 Sub cases selection with loading
$ Subcase name : lc1
SUBTITLE=lc1 TestLoadCase-1 FX Case Control Section and constraints definition, output
LABEL=LC1 Label FX
SPC = 2 requests
LOAD = 2
STRESS(CENTER)=ALL
GPFORCE=ALL
DISPLACEMENT=ALL
BEGIN BULK
PARAM POST -1
PSHELL 1 1 4. 1 1. .8333
CQUAD8 9 1 12 13 18 17 82 83 + A
+ A 84 85
CTRIA3 17 1 33 32 22
PSHEAR 2 1 4.
CSHEAR 117 2 24 26 41 39
PELAS 3 10000.
$ Pset: "elas1_uy" will be imported as: "pelas.3"
CELAS1 118 3 43 2 107 2
Definition of Model, properties,
GRID 154 0. 175. -50. Bulk Data Section materials, loading and boundary
GRID 155 100. 25. 50.
$ Loads for Load Case : lc1
SPCADD 2 11
conditions
LOAD 2 1. 1. 1 1. 3
SPC1 11 123456 1 3 4 5 6
$ Nodal Forces of Load Set : fz1
FORCE 8 105 0 25000. 0. 0. 1.
$ Nodal Forces of Load Set : mx1
MOMENT 11 139 0 10000. 1. 0. 0.
CORD2R 2 100. 50. 0. -11.8033 50. 0. + Y
+ Y 100. -61.8033 0.
ENDDATA 84965643

Nastran Input file
A Finite element model set up for analysis will typically comprise of
Elements
Grids (Nodes)
Material definition
Physical property definition
Loads
Constraints
4 2
Examine Nastran input file created for a problem. 3
3 4
2
1 1
1000N

Nastran Input file
$ NASTRAN input file created by the MSC MSC.Nastran input file
NASTRAN SYSTEM(1) = 4097 Setting the Buffer Size to 4097 words
ASSIGN OUTPUT2 = 'test.op2', UNIT = 12 Write results to test.op2 in binary format
ID TRUSS EXAMPLE
SOL 101 Solution Type (101 = linear static)
CEND
SEALL = ALL
Case Control section
SUPER = ALL
TITLE = MSC.Nastran job created on 29-Jan-04 at 12:25:58
ECHO = NONE
SUBCASE 1
SUBTITLE=lc1
SPC = 2
Subcase definition - Load set, boundary
LOAD = 2 condition set, output requests etc.
DISPLACEMENT = ALL
STRESS = ALL
BEGIN BULK
PARAM POST -1 Request for Patran compatible output files
$ Elements and Element Properties for region : rod1
PROD 1 1 500. 38350. Properties for elements
CROD 1 1 1 2
CROD 2 1 4 3
CROD 3 1 4 2 Elements defined
Bulk data section
CROD 4 1 3 2
$ Referenced Material Records
$ Material Record : Al
MAT1 1 72000. .33 Material Property definition
$ Nodes of the Entire Model
GRID 1 0. 0. 0.
GRID 2 1000. 0. 0.
GRID 3 1000. 500. 0. Nodes and coordinates
GRID 4 0. 500. 0.
$ Loads for Load Case : lc1
SPCADD 2 1
LOAD 2 1. 1. 1
SPC1 1 123456 1 4
Definition of Loads and Boundary conditions
FORCE 1 2 0 1000. 0. -1. 0.
ENDDATA 05aa07e4

Nastran Cards
Nastran Entry/Card fields
Each line in the bulk data entry contains 80 columns
Each bulk data entry could have more than one line
1st field identifies the card type (Key word)
2nd field is for unique identification of the card
10th field is meant for continuation
Real numbers must be entered with a decimal point
Field Formats
Small format
Large format
Free format
Card types
C-Cards: Define element connection
P-Cards: Define element properties

Nastran Card formats
Small field format
Each line is divided into 10 fields of 8 columns width each
8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
NAME ID CONT
+ A
CONT
+ A
17 18
84
Example
85 83
$ Physical Property Definition

PSHELL 1 1 4. 1 1. .8333 12 82 13
$ Element
CQUAD8 9 1 12 13 18 17 82 83 + A
+ A 84 85

Large field format
Each line is divided into 6 fields.
The first and the last fields are of 8 characters length
The middle four fields are of 16 characters length
Large field format is identified by * as last character in the Keyword field (1st field)
Last field is used for continuation
8 16 16 16 16 8
NAME CONT
+ AB
CONT
+ AB
17 18
84
85 83
13
Example 12 82
CQUAD* 1 12 13 18 + AB
+ AB 17 82 83 84 + AC
+ AC 85

Free field format
Fields are separated by Commas or one or more blanks
Integer numbers with more than 8 character width will cause fatal error
Real numbers with more than 8 characters will face truncation errors
Use successive commas to skip a field
Only small field data entries can be defined
Free format entries shall start on column 1 17 18
$ sign terminates the entry 84
85 83
Example
$ Material Definition 12 82 13
MAT1,1,70400.,,.33,2.78-6
$ Physical Property Definition

PSHELL,1,1, 4.,1,1.,.8333
$ Element
CQUAD8 9 1 12 13 18 17 82 83 +A
+A 84 85

Grid - Definition
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
GRID ID CP X1 X2 X3 CD PS SEID Node definition
ID = Grid identification number CD = Co-ordinate system id in which displacements and

CP = Co-ordinate System in Which Grid is defined constraints are specified
X1, X2, X3 = Location of Grid point in co-ordinate PS = Permanent Single Point Constraints associated with Grid
system CP SEID = Super element Identification number
Example:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
GRID ID CP X1 X2 X3 CD PS SEID
GRID 1 0.0 120.0 0.0 2345
Each grid point has six degrees of freedom: three translational (T1, T2, T3) and three rotational (R1, R2, R3).
The constraints applied to the grid point using field 8 of the GRID entry are considered permanent because they
cannot be changed during the run.

Nastran Basic Elements
SCALAR 1D
CELAS, CDAMP, CMASS CROD, CBAR, CBEAM, CTUBE, CONROD
2D
CQUAD4, CSHEAR CQUAD8 CTRIA3 CTRIA6
3D
CHEXA CHEXA CPENTA CTETRA

Rod Element
Elements x2
CROD, CONROD, CTUBE
Capabilities Ux2
Axial Extension/Compression
Torsion
Properties
Properties are defined through PROD and PTUBE entries x1
A = Area of cross section Ux1
J = Torsional constant yelem
xelem Degrees of Freedom: 2 per node
Stress output: (Extension & twist)
In Element Coordinate System.
Axial stress
Torsional stress
Force output:
In Global Coordinate System (3D Space)
Axial Force
- 3 Translations ( Ux, Uy , Uz)
Torque
- 3 Rotations ( x, y, z)
Limitations
Applicable to straight and prismatic members only.

Rod Element - Definition
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CROD EID PID G1 G2 Element definition
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
PROD PID MID A J C NSM Property definition
EID = Element identification number MID = Material Identification number (references MAT1 entry)
PID = Property Identification number A = Area of cross section
G1, G2 = Element node numbers J = Torsional Constant
C = Coefficient to calculate torsional stress
NSM = Nonstructural Mass per unit length
Example:
$ Material Record : Aluminium
MAT1 1 70400. 27000. .33 2.78-6 18
$ Elements and Element Properties for region : rod
PROD 5 1 1200. 250. 65
$ Pset: "rod" will be imported as: "prod.5"
CROD 65 5 13 18 A ROD element connected
between nodes 13 and 18.
Alternatively a CONROD can be defined as 13 Area = 1200
$ Material Record : Aluminium J = 250
MAT1 1 70400. 27000. .33 2.78-6
$ Elements and Element Properties for region : conrod
CONROD 65 13 18 1 1200. 250.

Bar/Beam Element
y2
Elements x2
CBAR, CBEAM y1 Uy2
Capabilities: x1 2 Ux2
Axial Extension/Compression Yelem Uy1 Uz2
Torsion Xelem Ux1 z2
1
Bending in two perpendicular planes
Uz1
Transverse shear deformation
Zelem z1
Differences: Degrees of Freedom: 6 per node
CBAR is applicable for a prismatic beam (Ux, Uy, Uz, x, y, z)
CBEAM allows the following additional features (3 translations & 3 rotations)
Varying sectional properties along the beam length in element Coordinate System
Offsets
Effect of cross sectional warping on torsional stiffness
Non-linear material properties

Bar/Beam Element axes
Element coordinate system for BAR/BEAM element
The element X axis is defined by a line connecting the shear center at End 1 to that of End 2

The Y and Z axes is defined by a third grid point or a vector, V

The element X-Y plane will be parallel to plane defined by X axis and the vector, V
Offsets wa and wb are defined in the global coordinate system
Xelem
Plane-1
Xelem
Grid 0 w2
Yelem Yelem V
Grid 0 Grid 2
Grid 2
V

V
Plane-2
Zelem
Zelem w1
Beam with offsets
Grid 1 Grid 1
Beam without offsets
Bar/Beam orientation is identified through two reference planes defining element coordinate system
Plane 1 (Element X-Y coordinate plane)
Plane 2 (Element X-Z coordinate plane)

Bar/Beam Element Properties
Properties are defined through PBAR/PBEAM entry
Area moments of inertia are defined w.r.t element coordinate system as below:
A = cross sectional area
bh3
I1 = Izz- elem = Moment of inertia section in Plane 1 =
12
Xelem
hb 3
I2 = Iyy - elem = Moment of inertia of section in Plane 2 =
12

V
J = Torsional Constant = Ixx Yelem w2
K1 and K2 = Area factors for shear in Plane 1 and Plane 2 Grid 0 Grid 2

FL V
The shear deformation of the beam is V1 Y
KAG
h Zelem
where Fy = Transverse shear force along Y axis (Plane 1)
L = Beam length Beam with offsets
A = cross section area
w1
b
G = Shear modulus Grid 1
K = factor accounts for shear distribution over the element cross section.
Its value is a constant dependent on the geometry of the cross section.

Bar Element - Definition Cards
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Xelem
CBAR EID PID GA GB X1 X2 X3

PA PB W1A W2A W3A W1B W2B W3B V
Yelem wb
EID = Element identification number Grid 0 GB

PID = Property Identification number V
GA, GB = Element node numbers
X1, X2, X3 = Components of Bar orientation vector Zelem
G0 = Grid point defining orientation vector (Can be used instead of vector in the 6th field)
PA, PB = Pin flags at Ends A and B - releases connection in the specified DOF
wa
W1A, W2A,W3A GA
Components of offset vectors Wa and Wb
W1B,W2B, W3B Bar with offsets
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
PBAR PID MID A I1 I2 J NSM
C1 C2 D1 D2 E1 E2 F1 F2 Yelem
K1 K2 I12
F E
PID = Property identification number
MID = Material Identification number
A = Area of the cross section Zelem
I1, I2 = Area moments of inertia in Plane 1 and Plane2.
NSM = Nonstructural mass per unit length C D
Ci, Di, Ei, Fi = Stress calculation points on the cross section (y and z coordinates of the points)
K1, K2 = Shear Area Factors in Plane 1 and Plane 2.

Beam Element - Definition cards
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Xelem
CBEAM EID PID GA GB X1 X2 X3 BIT
PA PB W1A W2A W3A W1B W2B W3B
V
SA SB
Yelem wb
G0 GB

V
Alternate format: Zelem

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CBEAM EID PID GA GB G0 BIT wa
PA PB W1A W2A W3A W1B W2B W3B
GA
SA SB
Beam with offsets
All the definitions are same as CBAR except:

BIT = Built in twist of the cross sectional axes at end B relative to end A
SA, SB = Scalar or grid point IDs at ends A and B respectively. The d.o.f at these variables
are warping variables (d/dx)

Beam Element - Property Definition
PBEAM allows definition of varying cross section along the length.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 First two lines with
PBEAM PID MID A(A) I1(A) I2(A) I12(A) J(A) NSM(A) properties same as CBAR at
C1(A) C2(A) D1(A) D2(A) E1(A) E2(A) F1(A) F2(A) end A.
Repeat these two cards with

S0 X/XB A I1 I2 I12 J NSM section properties at every
C1 C2 D1 D2 E1 E2 F1 F2 intermediate station along
the length
K1 K2 S1 S2 NSI(A) NSI(B) CW(A) CW(B)

Last two lines
M1(A) M2(A) M1(B) M2(B) N1(A) N2(A) N1(B) N2(B)
F E
S0 = Flag for stress output at intermediate station

YES = Stresses recovered at the specified points on cross section - C, D, E, F
YESA = Stresses recovered at the same Y,Z coordinate locations as end A points
C D
NO = No stresses or forces recovered
S1, S2 = Shear relief coefficients due to taper in plane 1 and plane 2
X/XB = 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8
X/XB = Intermediate station location as a proportion of element length from end A
CW = Warping coefficients
NSI = Nonstructural mass moment of inertia per unit length about its CG
End A End B
M1, M2 = y, z co-ordinates of the CG of nonstructural mass
N1, N2 = y, z co-ordinates of the neutral axis
Note: (A), (B) indicates at End A and End B respectively.

Bar/Beam Elements
An example of BEAM element definition
46
$ Material Record : Aluminium
MAT1 1 70400. 27000. .33 2.78-6 95
$ Elements and Element Properties for region : beam1
PBEAM 4 1 1000. 10000. 12000. 2500. + I A BEAM element example:
+ I + J
Nodes: 41, 46
+ J YES 1. 1200. 12000. 14000. 3000. + K 41
+ K Element No. 95
$ Pset: "beam1" will be imported as: "pbeam.4" Areas = 1000(end A)
CBEAM 95 4 41 46 0. 0. 1. 1200 (end B)
Components of orientation
I11 = 10000 (end A)

vector, V from grid point A 12000 (end B)
I22 = 12000 (end A)
14000 (end B)
Force Outputs:
J = 2500 (end A)
Bending moments in two reference planes at neutral axis 3000 (end B)
Shear Forces in two reference planes at shear center
Axial force at neutral axis
Total torque about beam shear center axis
Torque component due to warping
Stress Outputs:
Maximum and minimum axial stresses
Longitudinal stresses at four prescribed points at each cross section defined along the length of the beam

Shell Elements
Elements: Grid 4 Grid 3
CTRIA3, CQUAD4, CTRIA6, CQUAD8, CTRIAR, CQUADR Zelem
Yelem
Capabilities: Xelem
Membrane
Bending Grid 1 Grid 2
Transverse Shear Deformation
Degrees of Freedom:
6 per node (Ux, Uy, Uz, x, y, z)
Vy Fy
Syy
Mx
Fxy Myx Sxy
Vx
Mxy Mxy Sxy Sxy
Fx Fxy Sxx
Sxx
Fx My
Fxy My
Vx
Fxy Sxy
Myx Mx
Vy Syy
Fy
Shell Element Forces Shell Element Moments Shell Element Stresses

Inplane forces - Fx, Fy Bending Moments - Mx, My Normal stresses - Sxx, Syy
Inplane shear force - Fxy Twisting Moment - Mxy Shear Stresses - Sxy
Transverse Shear Force - Vx, Vy

Shell Elements
Options available: Yelem
Grid 3
Optional coupling of membrane and bending stiffnesses for
CQUAD4, CTRIA3, CQUAD8, CTRIA6 Grid 4
CTRIAR and CQUADR do not include bending and membrane Xelem
coupling
Optional shear deformation for all bending elements.
Elements can be offset with reference to the grid point plane.
(restricted to CQUAD4, CTRIA3, CQUAD8, CTRIA6 only)
Grid 2
Grid 1
Properties:
Properties are defined by PSHELL entry.

Thickness and offsets are the main geometry properties 2
Element Axes:
Element local coordinate system is defined as shown. Yelem Grid 3
Stress Outputs:
The following results are output in the element coordinate system
Grid 2
Normal stresses in x and y directions
Xelem
Shear stresses in xy Grid 1
Maximum and minimum principal stresses and directions
von-Mises equivalent stress or Max. Shear Stress

Shell Elements
Stresses are evaluated at upper and lower fibres of the element Zelem Yelem
Layer Z1 Z2
Xelem
Layer Z2
The layer convention as per the element coordinate system
Force Outputs:
The following Force results are evaluated and output on request:
Bending Moments in x and y faces (Mx, My) Z1
Transverse Shear forces on x and y faces (Vx, Vy)
In-plane Shear Force (Fxy)
Normal forces on x and y faces (Fx, Fy)
Twisting Moment (Mxy)
Limitations:
These elements doesnt have stiffness in the drilling degree of freedom ( z )
[ Refer use of PARAM, K6ROT, ? ]
Stresses and Forces are computed at centroid for CQUAD4 and CTRIA3 only. For CQUAD8, CTRIA6,
CQUADR, CTRIAR, the forces are evaluated at the vertices and the centroid of element.
For CQUAD4 corner stresses can be requested using STRESS(CORNER) output option.

Shell Element definition cards
CQUAD4 Element Definition
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CQUAD4 EID PID G1 G2 G3 G4 Theta/MCID ZOFFS
T1 T2 T3 T4
CQUAD8 Element Definition

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CQUAD8 EID PID G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 G6
G7 G8 T1 T2 T3 T4 Theta/MCID ZOFFS
PSHELL Property card for shell elements

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
PSHELL PID MID1 T MID2 12 I/T3 MID3 Ts/T NSM
Z1 Z2 MID4
EID = Element identification number

PID = Property Identification number
G1, G2.G8 = Element node numbers Yelem
T1, T2, T3, T4 = Corner node thickness values (Optional. Will be set to T if not defined) G3
T = membrane thickness G7
MID1 = Membrane material ID G4
Xelem
MID2 = Bending material ID
G6
MID3 = Transverse shear material ID
MID4 - Material ID for membrane and bending coupling G8
Z1, Z2 = fibre distances for stress calculations Xmaterial
Theta/MCID = Material property orientation or material coordinate system
G2
ZOFFS = Offset from the surface of grid points G5
G1
NSM = Non structural Mass per unit area

Shell element - definition
18
84
17
$ Material Record : Aluminium 83

MAT1 5 70400. 27000. .33 2.78-6 85 9
$ Elements and Element Properties for region : 4.0
PSHELL 7 5 4. 5 1. 5 .8333
$ Pset: "4.0" will be imported as: "pshell.1" 13
CQUAD8 9 7 12 13 18 17 82 83 + A 82
12
+ A 84 85 2.
The most commonly used properties in Airbus practice:

The materials are defined for membrane, bending and transverse shear actions.
i.e. MID1 = MID2 = MID3 = 5 in the above example
The bending inertia ratio (12 I /T3) = 1.0 (default)
- Ratio of the actual bending moment of inertia of the shell, I, to the bending Moment
of Inertia of the homogeneous shell, T3/12
Transverse shear thickness ratio (Ts/T) = 0.8333 (default)
Element offset (It is 2.0mm in the above example, which is half the thickness)
Fiber distances are default: Z1 = -T/2 and Z2 = T/2

Shear Element
Grid 4 Grid 3
Elements:
CSHEAR Zelem Yelem
Capabilities: Xelem
Resists in plane tangential forces along the edges
optional resistance to normal forces Grid 1 Grid 2
Degrees of Freedom:
Properties: 3 per node (Ux, Uy, Uz)
Properties are defined through PSHEAR entry
Thickness is the main property
F32 K
Forces: 3
In plane shear flows (q1, q2, q3, q4) F41 F34

q3
Out of plane kick forces (K1, K2, K3, K4) normal to the K4
plane formed by adjacent edges
F43
Nodal forces in the direction of the edges q2
(F12, F21, F23, F21, F32, F34, F43, F41)
q4
K2
K1
F21
F12 q1
F23
F14

Shear Element - Definition
G4 G3
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CSHEAR EID PID G1 G2 G3 G4
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
PSHEAR PID MID T NSM F1 F2
G1 G2

MID = Material identification number
G1, G2, G3, G4 = Element node numbers
T = membrane thickness
NSM = Nonstructural mass per unit area
F1 = Effectiveness factor for extensional stiffness along edges 1-2 and 3-4
F2 = Effectiveness factor for extensional stiffness along edges 2-3 and 1-4

Solid Elements
Elements:
CTETRA - 4 sided solid element - 4 or 10 grid points
CPENTA - 5 sided solid element - 6 or 15 grid points
CHEXA - 6 sided solid element - 8 or 20 grid points
Properties:
Properties are defined through PSOLID or PLSOLID cards
Stress and strain outputs:

Normal: x, y, z, and x, y, z
Shear: txy, tyz, tzx and xy, yz, xz
Principal Stresses
Octahedral shear stress or von-Mises equivalent stress
Octahedral shear strain or von-Mises equivalent strain
Limitations:
Geometric and material non-linear stiffness formulation is
available only for elements without mid side nodes.
Degrees of Freedom:
3 per node (Ux, Uy, Uz)

Solid Elements Definition G7
G19 G18 G6
CHEXA defines 8 noded or 20 noded solid element. Grid points 9 to 20 are optional.
G20 G17
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 G8 G15
G5
CHEXA EID PID G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 G6 G14
G3 G11
G7 G8 G9 G10 G11 G12 G13 G14 G16
G15 G16 G17 G18 G19 G20 G12 G13 G2
G10
G9
G4
EID = Element identification number G1
G5
G1, G2,. . . G20 = Element node numbers in the order of connectivity
G11
G2 G13
CPENTA defines 6 noded or 15 noded solid element. Grid points 7 to 15 are optional. G14
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
G8
CPENTA EID PID G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 G6
G9 G15
G7 G8 G9 G10 G11 G12 G13 G14
G15 G6 G4
G10
G12
G3
G1
G7
G4
CPENTA defines 4 noded or 10 noded solid element. Grid points 5 to 10 are optional.
G9
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 G10
CTETRA EID PID G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 G6 G2
G7 G8 G9 G10 G6 G8
G3 G5
G7
G1

Scalar Elements
Elements:
CELAS, CMASS, CDAMP
Features:
These elements are defined between pairs of degrees of freedom or between one degree of freedom and
ground
CELAS
The spring elements allow representation of elastic properties that
can not be conveniently modelled with usual structural elements
Elements variants: CELAS1, CELAS2, CELAS3, CELAS4
CMASS
The scalar masses are useful for selective representation of inertia
properties, such as a concentrated mass if effectively isolated in one
direction only.
Element Variants: CMASS1, CMASS2, CMASS3, CMASS4
CDAMP
The spring elements allow representation of elastic properties that can
not be conveniently modelled with usual structural elements
Element variants: CDAMP1, CDAMP2, CDAMP3, CDAMP4

Spring Element Definition
Spring element is defined between two nodes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CELAS1 EID PID G1 C1 G2 C2
EID = Element Identification number U1 U2

PID = Property Identification number - PELAS entry
G1, G2 = Grid points connecting the spring. They could be coincident. G1 G2
C1, C2 = component of DOF ( 1 <= integer <= 6)
Alternate Form: Defines Spring element with properties without reference to Property entry
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CELAS2 EID K G1 C1 G2 C2 GE S
Stress coefficient, S is used for computing stress from the force in the element
K = Stiffness
Stress = S*F
S = Stress coefficient
where F = K (U1-U2); U1, U2 Displacements in the respective d.o.f
The stiffness, damping coefficient and stress coefficient are defined through PELAS entry for the spring
elements.
Upto two element properties can be defined on single entry.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
PELAS PID1 K1 GE1 S1 PID2 K2 GE2 S2
Ki = Stiffness
GEi = Damping coefficient Damping coefficient, GE = 2* Critical Damping ratio
Si = Stress coefficient

Damper Element Definition
Damper element
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CDAMP1 EID PID G1 C1 G2 C2
EID = Element Identification Number

PID = Property Identification number of PDAMP entry
G1, G2 = Grid points connecting the spring. They could be coincident.
C1, C2 = component of DOF ( 1 <= integer <= 6) G1 G2
Damper properties are defined through PDAMP entry

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
PDAMP PID1 B1 PID2 B2 PID3 B3 PID4 B4
PIDi = Property Identification number

Bi = Force per unit velocity
Upto four damping properties can be defined in single entry
Alternate form: Damping coefficient can be defined in the element definition.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CDAMP2 EID B G1 C1 G2 C2

Mass Elements
Concentrated Mass at a grid point
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CONM2 EID G CID M X1 X2 X3
I11 I21 I22 I31 I32 I33
EID = Element Identification Number

G = Grid point identification number at which mass is to be positioned
CID = Coordinate Frame Identification number
M = Mass value
X1, X2, X3 = Offset distances from the grid point to the CG of the mass.
Iij = Mass moment of inertia in the coordinate system CID
Concentrated Mass at a grid point

Rigid Elements
A rigid element enables fixed constraints between components of motion (degrees of freedom)at the
grid points to which it is defined.
MPC:
It is a user defined linear equation that defines relationship between two or more degrees of freedom.
A1U1+ A2U2+ A3U3+ . . . . . + AnUn = 0 [Eq. 1]

where
U1, U2, U3, . . . , Un are the user defined degrees of freedom
A1, A2, A3, . . . . . + An are the coefficients
Example:
CHEXA has three translational DOF (Ux, Uy, Uz) and CBAR has six DOF per node (Ux, Uy, Uz, x, y, z)
At the connection between BAR and HEXA, the rotations form
CHEXAs
BAR can not be transferred to the solid.
Hence an MPC can be defined as follows to accomplish this
U x9 U x5 U x9 9
z7 CBAR
2a
3
7
1.0 *U x9 1.0 *U x5 2a * z7 z7 y
5
x
U x5 a
z

Rigid Elements (.. contd)
Nastran introduced several Rigid Elements to generate MPC equations for general applications for user
convenience. User need to specify the degrees of freedom and NASTRAN computes the coefficients in
the constrained equations.
RROD, RBAR, RBE1, RBE2, RBE3, RSPLINE, RTRPLT
Each of the above rigid elements generates a number of equations of the form of Eq. 1 defining the
intended constraints.
CHEX8s
Nodes with dependent DOF are identified with 9

Nodes 5,7,9 are dependent nodes, Node 11 is independent node
RBE2
7
Rules: 11
A dependent DOF can not be defined more than once
An independent DOF can be part of more than one rigid elements.
5
A dependent DOF can not be a member of SPCs
Redundant constraints must be avoided. E.g rigid elements interconnected in closed loop.

Rigid Element - RROD
RROD defines a pin ended rigid element in one translation d.o.f
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
RROD EID G1 G2 CMA CMB
GA, GB = End grid points of the rigid element
CMA, CMB = One and only one dependent d.o.f at one grid point. (1 or 2 or 3)
(Either CMA or CMB must contain one integer)
Only one dependent node

allowed to be defined.
Only one translational

degree of freedom allowed.
Only one independent node

allowed to be defined.
Option to choose one of the

three displacement d.o.f

Rigid Element - RBAR
Defines a rigid Bar with six degrees of freedom at each end point.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
RBAR EID GA GB CNA CNB CMA CMB

GA, GB = End nodes of the element
CNA, CNB = Dependent degrees of freedom (1 through 6)
CMA, CMB = Independent degrees of freedom (1 through 6)
Rules
Total d.o.f defined for CNA and CNB must be six. E.g. CNA = 1245; CNB = 34
CMA and CMB define dependent d.o.f at end A and B.
Total d.o.f at each end must sum upto six d.o.f (123456)
604 436
1
CNA CMA CMB CNB

Independent Dependent Dependent Independent
D.O.F D.O.F D.O.F D.O.F
1256 34 1346 25
123456 123456
Total D.O.F at each end must cover all the six d.o.fs

RBAR - Patran Interface
The dependent and independent degrees of freedom have to be carefully
selected following the rules for RBAR
604 436
1
CNA CMA CMB CNB

Independent Dependent Dependent Independent
D.O.F D.O.F D.O.F D.O.F
1256 34 1346 25
123456 123456
Total D.O.F at each end must cover all the six d.o.fs

Rigid Element - RBE1
Defines rigid elements connected between arbitrary number of nodes.
Independent and dependent d.o.f can be arbitrarily selected by the user.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
RBE1 EID GN1 CN1 GN2 CN2 GN3 CN3
GN4 CN4 GN5 CN5 GN6 CN6
"UM" GM1 CM1 GM2 CM2 GM3 CM3
GM4 CM4 ..etc..

GNi = Grid point ID at which independent d.o.f are defined
CNi = Components of independent d.o.f defined at the grid point GNi
UM = The test UM indicates start of dependent d.o.f
GMi = Grid point ID at which dependent d.o.fs are defined
CMi = components of d.o.f defined as dependent at the grid point GMi

Rigid Elements - RBE1
RBE1 1 433 123 530 4 502 56
UM 591 3456 689 234 667 1
660 345
The combined d.o.f for all these nodes shall be 1 to 6

(max 6 nodes)
Independent Nodes
502
530
433
660
689
667
591
Dependent Nodes
Combination of d.o.fs (1 through

6) can be defined for any number
of nodes.

Rigid Element: RBE2 Definition Dependent Nodes
RBE2 is a rigid body connected to arbitrary number of grid points.

Independent degrees of freedom are at a single point (chosen between 1 to 6).
All other nodes will be dependent nodes with the same selected degrees of freedom.
RBE2 Defined
DOF defined for this RBE2

Rigid Element: RBE3 Definition
RBE3 is a constrained equation that defines motion of a reference grid point a weighted least square
average of the motions of a set of grid points.
It is useful for beaming loads and masses from a reference node to a set of nodes
RBE3 is not really a rigid body element. It should not be used as structural elements.
RBE3s Defined

Rigid Element - RSPLINE
Defines multi point constraints for interpolation of displacements at the defined grid points.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
RSPLINE EID D/L G1 G2 C2 G3 C3 G4
C4 G5 C5 G6 .etc.

D/L = Diameter of the elastic beam to the sum of lengths of all segments.
G1 = Independent grid point
24 28
Gi (I=2 to n) = Grid points 25 26 27
Ci (I=2 to n) = d.o.f to be constrained.
G6 = Independent grid point and hence no C6
The First and last grid points must be independent.

The intermediate points are interpolated in the respectively defined d.o.f using equations of an elastic
beam passing through the points.
$ Definition of Rspline
RSPLINE 146 .25 24 25 123456 26 123 27
123456 28
Airbus recommendation
Avoid RSPLINE usage and achieve the same by mesh transitional changes using CQUAD4 and
CTRIA3 where necessary

Rigid Element Rules
A dependent DOF can not be defined more than once
Two sets of RBE2s connect from the same node
(Dependent node)
Error Message: F
*** USER FATAL MESSAGE 5289 (WRGMTD)
DEPENDENT COMPONENT WITH GRID ID = 1, DOF = 1 APPEARS MORE THAN ONCE ON THE SAME MPC ENTRY OR RIGID ELEMENT
ENTRY
ENTRY
ENTRY
ENTRY
ENTRY
An independent DOF can be part of more than one rigid elements.

Two sets of RBE2s connect from a common node
(Independent node)

Rigid Element Rules
A dependent DOF can not be a member of SPCs
Redundant constraints must be avoided.

e.g rigid elements interconnected in closed loop.
F
Error Message:
*** USER FATAL MESSAGE 6202 (MCE1)
THE SELECTED MULTIPOINT CONSTRAINT SET AND/OR RIGID ELEMENTS PRODUCE A SINGULAR RMM MATRIX. THIS MAY BE CAUSED BY A
CIRCULAR DEPENDENCY IN WHICH A DEGREE OF FREEDOM IS INDIRECTLY DEPENDENT UPON ITSELF.
*** USER FATAL MESSAGE 3005 (MCE1)
ATTEMPT TO OPERATE ON THE SINGULAR MATRIX SCRATCH IN SUBROUTINE MCE1

Loads
Nastran allows the following forms of load application to the finite element model.
Concentrated Loads
Distributed Loads on 1D Elements
Pressure Loads
Acceleration Loads
Enforced Displacements
Combined Loads

Concentrated Loads
FORCE
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
FORCE SID GID CID F N1 N2 N3
SID = Force Set Identification Number

GID = Grid Point ID at which the force is applied
CID = Coordinate Frame in which the force is applied
F = Scale factor
N1, N2, N3 = Three components of the Force vector measured in CID coordinate Frame
MOMENT
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
MOMENT SID GID CID M N1 N2 N3
SID = Force Set Identification Number

GID = Grid Point ID at which the moment is applied
CID = Coordinate Frame in which the moment is applied
M = Scale factor
N1, N2, N3 = Three components of the Force vector measured in CID coordinate Frame

Distributed Loads on 1D elements
Used to apply uniform or linearly varying distributed load on 1D elements (CBAR, CBEAM)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
PLOAD1 SID EID TYPE SCALE X1 P1 X2 P2
SID = Load Set Identification Number

P2
EID = Element ID where the force is applied P1
TYPE = Load type (Character String)
GA GB
FX, FY, FZ = Forces along X, Y and Z of basic coordinate system X1
FXE, FYE, FZE = Forces along X, Y and Z of element coordinate system X2
MX, MY, MZ = Moments along X, Y and Z of basic coordinate system
MXE, MYE, MZE = Moments along X, Y and Z of basic coordinate system
SCALE = Scale factor for X1 and X2 definition
LE = Length (X1 and X2 are based on actual length)
FR = Fractional (X1 and X2 are fractional distances based on element length normalised to 1.0)
LEPR = Length projected (X1 and X2 are actual lengths, distributed load is input in terms of projected lengths)
FRPR = Fractional projected (X1 and X2 are fractionals, distributed load is input in terms of projected lengths)
X1, X2 = Distance along the element axis from End A
P1, P2 = Load factors at X1 and X2

Pressure Loads on surfaces
Pressure Loads
Uniform normal pressure on triangular or quadrilateral surface on 2D or 3D elements is
applied using PLOAD entry
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
PLOAD SID P G1 G2 G3 G4
SID = Load set ID

P = Pressure value
G1, G2, G3, G4 = Grid point Ids that define the surface for pressure application
G4 G3
G4
G1
P
G3
G1 G2
G2
Direction of pressure application follows right-hand thumb rule based on the grid point ordering
sequence.
It can be applied in opposite direction by using negative sign for pressure value.

Pressure Loads on 2D elements
Uniform normal pressure on 2D elements
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
PLOAD2 SID P EID1 EID2 EID3 EID6 EID5 EID6
Alternate Form:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
PLOAD2 SID P EID1 "THRU" EID2
SID = Load set ID

P = Pressure value Pressure on the G4 G3
Top Surface
EID1, EID2. . = Element IDs
G1
G2
Pressure is applied either on top surface or bottom surface of the 2D Elements (TRIA or QUAD)
The top and bottom surfaces are the element Z2 and Z1 layers respectively

Acceleration Loads
Loads such as self weight due to gravity and g loads due to maneuvers are defined through
GRAV bulk data entry
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
GRAV SID CID A N1 N2 N3 MB
SID = Load set ID

CID = Coordinate Frame ID
A = Acceleration Vector scale factor
N1, N2, N3 = Acceleration vector components measured in coordinate frame - CID
Direction of Acceleration must be clearly defined. For example: g

Gravity is acting in -ve Y direction.
GRAV 15 386 0 -1 0

Combining Loads
Load entry defines linear combination of different static Load Sets defined through load entries
such as FORCE, MOMENT, PLOAD1, GRAV etc.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
LOAD SID S S1 L1 S2 L2 S3 L3
S4 L4 -etc-
SID = Load set Identification Number

S = Overall scale factor
Si = Scale factor for Load set Li
Li = Load Set Identification Numbers defined in the entries such as PLOAD, FORCE, etc
Note: The enforced displacement defined by SPCD will not be combined by LOAD entry.
Example:
Load Set-9
$ Load Combination for Load Case : Load Case1
Load Set-11 F=1000N
LOAD 13 2.7 2. 9 1.5 11
$ Force Load Set : LS1 M=50 N-m
FORCE 9 5 0 1000. 0. -1. 0. 1 6
$ Moment Load Set : LS2 2 3 4 5
MOMENT 11 3 0 50. 0. 0. 1.
The load applied in the analysis will be:

Total Loading = 2.7* [ (2.0*1000N) at Node 5] and 2.7*[(1.5*50N-m)at Node 3]
= 5400 N of Force at Node 5 and 202.5 N-m of Moment at Node 3

Enforced Displacements
Enforced nodal displacements for static analysis are applied using SPCD bulk data entry
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
SPCD SID G1 C1 D1 G2 C2 D2
SID = Load set ID

Gi = Grid point identification number
Ci = Component numbers ( 0 integer 6) - upto six numbers without embedded blanks
Di = Values of enforced displacement at Gi and Ci
The enforced degree of freedom (Gi and Ci combination) defined by SPCD must be referenced in SPC1
or SPC entry also.
The SPC1 entry SID must be selected in case control by SPC entry.
Example: Direct Text Input for Global Case Control Data
SUBCASE 1 Ux=Uz=0 Ux=Uz=0
$ Subcase name : Default
SUBTITLE=Default Uy=-1.2 Uy=-1.6
SPC = 2 37 38 39
LOAD = 1 1.2
BEGIN BULK 1.6
.
.
34 36
$ Loads for Load Case : Default 35
SPCADD 2 1
$ Enforced Displacements for Load Set : spcd
$ Dummy Force Required to Activate the Following Enforced Displacements 31 32 33
Y
FORCE 1 37 0. .57735 .57735 .57735 39
SPCD 1 37 2 -1.2 39 2 -1.6
$ Displacement Constraints of Load Set : spcd X
SPC1 1 123 37 39

Constraints
Constraints are two types:
Single Point Constraints (SPCs)
Multi Point Constraints (MPCs) Uy = Uz = 0 Ux = Uy = Uz = 0
SPCs enforce displacements or rotation at individual grid points and MPCs establish constraints relation
between grid points
The rigid elements such as RBE2, RBE3 are pre-formulated MPCs
Boundary conditions of a structure are defined by zero values for relevant degrees of freedom through SPC
or SPC1 entry
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
SPC SID G1 C1 D1 G2 C2 D2
SID = SPC set Identification number

1 6
Gi = Grid point identification number 2 3 4 5
Ci = Component numbers ( 0 integer 6) - upto six numbers without embedded blanks
Di = Values of enforced displacement at Gi and Ci
Example:
SPC 1 1 23 0 6 123 0
SPC1 defines Zero displacements at the Gi in the d.o.f defined by C

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
SPC1 SID C G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 G6
G7 G8 -etc-
Example:
SPC1 1 123 1 THRU 10
SPC1 1 123 18 19 27 28

Combining Constraints
SPCADD entry defines union of SPC sets defined through SPC or SPC1 entries.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
SPCADD SID S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7
S8 S9 -etc-
SID = SPC set Identification Number

Si = SIDs of the SPC sets defined separately though SPC or SPC1 entries.
Important:
SPCD can not be combined using this card.
SPCD takes precedence over other constraint cards - SPC, SPC1 or SPCADD, if defined with the same
SID value
Example: Direct Text Input for Global Case Control Data
SUBCASE 1
$ Subcase name : Default
SUBTITLE=Default
SPC = 2
LOAD = 1 1 6
BEGIN BULK 2 3 4 5
.
. BC Set-1 BC Set-2
$ Loads for Load Case : Default Uy=Uz=0 Ux=Uy=Uz=0
SPCADD 2 7 9
$ Displacement Constraints of Load Set : spcd
SPC1 7 23 6
SPC1 9 1 23 1

Load Cases Load Set-1
Multiple load sets and boundary condition sets can be Load Set-3 Load Set-2 F=1000N
defined on the Finite Element Model Pressure = 27 MPa M=53 N-m
Load Case is formed with selection of combination of

BC Set-1
load sets and boundary condition sets to define the
Ux=Uy=Uz=0
problem.
x=y=z=0 BC Set-3 BC Set-2
Nastran allows to use multiple load cases in one run = 1.6mm Uy=Uz=0
using SUBCASE case control command.
BC1
BC Set-1
Loads and Boundary Conditions

LS1
Load Set-1
Load Case-1
LS2
LC1
S U B C A S E S
Load Set-2
BC2
Load Case-2 LS3 BC Set-2
LC2 Load Set-3
LS4
Load Set-4
Load Case-n BC-n

LCn LSn BC Set-n
Load Set-n

Subcase Definition - Example1
Load Case - 1 (Nastran SUBCASE 1) Load Set-1
$ Direct Text Input for Global Case Control Data F=1000N
SUBCASE 1
$ Subcase name : Load Case1
SUBTITLE=Load Case1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
SPC = 2 BC Set-1
LOAD = 2 Ux=Uy=Uz=0
DISPLACEMENT(PLOT,SORT1,REAL)=ALL
SPCFORCES(PLOT,SORT1,REAL)=ALL
x=y=z=0
STRESS(PLOT,SORT1,REAL,VONMISES,BILIN)=ALL
$ Loads for Load Case : Load Case1

SPCADD 2 10
LOAD 2 1. 1. 1
$ Displacement Constraints of Load Set : BC1
SPC1 10 123456 1 Load Case - 2 (Nastran SUBCASE 2)
FORCE 1 7 0 1000. 0. -1. 0.
$ Direct Text Input for Global Case Control Data
SUBCASE 2
$ Subcase name : Load Case2
SUBTITLE=Load Case2
SPC = 3
LOAD = 3
Load Set-1 SPCFORCES(PLOT,SORT1,REAL)=ALL
Load Set-2 F=1000N STRESS(PLOT,SORT1,REAL,VONMISES,BILIN)=ALL
M=53 N-m
$ Loads for Load Case : Load Case1
SPCADD 3 10 9
BC Set-1 LOAD 3 1. 1. 1 1. 6
Ux=Uy=Uz=0 $ Displacement Constraints of Load Set : BC1
SPC1 10 123456 1
x=y=z=0 BC Set-2 SPC1 9 23 8
Uy=Uz=0 FORCE 1 7 0 1000. 0. -1. 0.
MOMENT 6 5 0 53. 0. 0. 1.

Subcase Definition - Example2
Load Case - 3 (Nastran SUBCASE 3)
SUBCASE 2 Load Set-1
$ Subcase name : Load Case2 Load Set-3
SUBTITLE=Load Case2 F=1000N
Pressure = 27 MPa
SPC = 4
LOAD = 5
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
DISPLACEMENT(PLOT,SORT1,REAL)=ALL BC Set-1
STRESS(PLOT,SORT1,REAL,VONMISES,BILIN)=ALL Ux=Uy=Uz=0
$ Loads for Load Case : Load Case2 = 1.6mm Uy=Uz=0
SPCADD 4 10 9
$ Enforced Displacements and Applied Forces
SPCD 5 6 2 1.6
LOAD 5 1. 1. 4 1. 1
SPC1 10 123456 1
SPC1 9 23 8
$ Nodal Forces of Load Set : loadset2
FORCE 1 7 0 1000. 0. -1. 0.
$ Distributed Loads of Load Set : loadset3
PLOAD1 4 2 FYE FR 0. -27. 1. -27.
PLOAD1 4 3 FYE FR 0. -27. 1. -27.
Note:
Patran might create dummy Forces at the nodes of
prescribed displacement.

Subcase Titles
Three subcase titles are possible to be defined. Titles are optional, but recommended
TITLE=XXXXX
SUBTITLE=YYYYYY
LABEL=ZZZZZZ
The case titles defined before subcase definition applies to all the subcases, while the titles defined within
subcase definition applies to the respective sub case only.
Patran by default writes TITLE above subcases and load cases are identified by SUBTITLEs.
TITLE = Linear Static Analysis of Stiffened Plate

ECHO = NONE
SUBCASE 1
SUBTITLE=Load Case -1
LABEL=Axial Load under Load Case-1
SPC = 2
LOAD = 2

Nastran Sub Cases Definition
$ Direct Text Input for Global Case Control
Data
SUBCASE 1
TITLE = LOADCASE1
SUBTITLE=LC-1 NODAL LOAD FX Load Case title definition: Either SUBTITLE or LABEL can be used.
LABEL=LC1 Label FX
SPC = 2 Boundary Condition Set
LOAD = 2 Load Set 4
STRESS(CENTER)=ALL 2
3
GPFORCE=ALL Output requests
DISPLACEMENT=ALL
SUBCASE 2 3
$ Subcase Name lc2 4
.
.
. 2
1 1
$ Loads and Boundary Conditions for Load Case : lc1 1000N
SPCADD 2 1 2
LOAD 2 1. 1. 1
SPC1 1 123456 1
SPC1 2 123456 4
FORCE 1 2 0 1000. 0. -1. 0.
ENDDATA 05aa07e4

PARAM Cards
PARAM Cards are used for input of scalar values and for requesting special features.
The following are the most commonly used Parameters.
PARAM, MAXRATIO, ?
PARAM, AUTOSPC, ?
PARAM, BAILOUT, ?
PARAM, POST, ?
PARAM, SNORM, ?
PARAM, LGDISP, ?
PARAM, PRTMAXIM, ?
PARAM, K6ROT, ?
PARAM, NOCOMPS, ?
They are defined in the Case Control section or Bulk Data section of Nastran input file.

PARAM Cards
The following cards are connected with controlling the solution due to singularity of the matrix.
This parameter specifies an action when singularities exist in the stiffness matrix.
Default = YES for SOL 101 thru 200 except 106, 129, 153, 159.
PARAM, AUTOSPC, ? Default = NO in all other Solutions.
If YES, grid point singularities will be constrained automatically with single point constraints
and allows the solution to be completed.
Controls the ratio that define singularity arising out of the solution process
The ratio of the diagonal terms of the stiffness matrix to the corresponding terms in the
triangulated matrix that determined singularity state of the [K].
PARAM, MAXRATIO, ?
Default = 1.E7.
If the value is greater than the MAXRATIO, the matrix is considered singular, which means
mechanisms or rigid body motions exist in the FE Model.
Directs Nastran to terminate or continue analysis when near singularities are detected.
PARAM, BAILOUT, ? = 0 : Default - Will cause the program to exit when singularities are found.
= -1: Allows NASTRAN to continue analysis with near singularities and output results.
Specifies the stiffness to be added to the drilling DOF for QUAD and TRIA elements
This is one of the methods to suppress singularities.
PARAM, K6ROT, ?
Default = 0 for all SOLs except 106, 129, 153, 159
Default = 100 for SOLs 106, 129, 153, 159.

Matrix Singularity
Singularity is the most common problem due to modeling errors. Singularities are two
types:
1. Grid point singularity
2. Mechanism singularity
Grid point singularity arises out of Stiffness Ratio at a grid point - weakest d.o.f to the strongest d.o.f.
Stiffness ratio smaller than the default value 10-8 is the failure criterion.
Translational and rotational stiffnesses are considered separately.
The default failure criterion can be changed by PARAM, EPZERO entry
Automatic constraining is possible using PARAM, AUTOSPC, YES entry in bulk data file
Mechanism type singularity arises out of presence of mechanisms and rigid body motions within the finite
element model.
This is detected during matrix decomposition phase of solution
The diagonal terms will be approaching near Zero with the mechanism type of instability
It is measured in the analysis by ratio of stiffness terms i.e the ratio of diagonal terms of the stiffness
matrix to the corresponding diagonal terms on triangulated matrix.
If the ratio exceeds MAXRATIO (Default = 1.0E+07), the problem is considered nearly singular
(presence of mechanisms)
There is NO automatic method to constrain mechanisms.

PARAM, BAILOUT,-1 allows Nastran to complete the run. Mainly used for diagnostic purposes.

Singularity Examples
Load Case - 3 (Nastran SUBCASE 3)
SUBCASE 2 Load Set-1
$ Subcase name : Load Case2 Load Set-3
SUBTITLE=Load Case2 F=1000N
Pressure = 27 MPa
SPC = 4
LOAD = 5
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
DISPLACEMENT(PLOT,SORT1,REAL)=ALL BC Set-1
STRESS(PLOT,SORT1,REAL,VONMISES,BILIN)=ALL Ux=Uy=Uz=0
$ Loads for Load Case : Load Case2 = 1.6mm Uy=Uz=0
SPCADD 4 10 9
$ Enforced Displacements and Applied Forces
SPCD 5 6 2 1.6
LOAD 5 1. 1. 4 1. 1
SPC1 10 123456 1
SPC1 9 23 8
$ Nodal Forces of Load Set : loadset2
FORCE 1 7 0 1000. 0. -1. 0.
$ Distributed Loads of Load Set : loadset3
PLOAD1 4 2 FYE FR 0. -27. 1. -27.
PLOAD1 4 3 FYE FR 0. -27. 1. -27.
Note:
Patran might create dummy Forces at the nodes of
prescribed displacement.

PARAM cards
This request controls the printout of the maximums - Applied Forces, SPC Forces, MPC
Forces, Displacements
PARAM, PRTMAXIM, ? = NO (default)
= YES
This controls computation and output of grid point weight data. The output includes mass,
inertia, CG data
= -1 (default): Suppresses generation and printout of weight data
PARAM, GRDPNT, ? = GID (Grid Point ID) The grid point defined here will is used as reference point in weight
computations. Else origin of basic coordinate system will be used as reference.
= 0 or undefined grid point ID: Weight data will be generated and printed with origin of
basic coordinate system as reference point.
This option allows calculation of large deflection effects (updated element coordinates and
hence characteristic matrices and follower forces) in non-linear analysis.
PARAM, LGDISP, ? = -1 (Default):
= 1: Large deflection effects are considered.
= 2: Follower force effects are ignored, but large deflection effects are considered.
This option controls the output format

= 0: Input and output data stored and converted in the format suitable for MSC/XL. Output
PARAM, POST, ? file is XDB.
= -1: Output files are are written in the format suitable for processing with MSC/PATRAN
= -2: Output files generated in the format suitable for SDRC I-DEAS.
= -4 or -5 or -6: Output files format suitable for other applications

Solution of linear equations
Nastran performs solution of linear set of equations to solve for unknowns.

Linear static solution from F=KU
Inverse of K is one solution, but computationally expensive for large matrices.
Stiffness matrix triangularisation
Back substitution.
Show an example

Numerical Errors
It is important to achieve success Nastran analysis without any numerical instabilities in the
Model. Epsilon is the indicator of instability and is printed in f06 file.
Epsilon:
Nastran computes a number called epsilon, which is based on strain energy error ratio.
This value is automatically printed in f06 file
This is an important parameter to measure rounding off and numerical errors
A large value of epsilon (> 10-3) is an indication of numerical ill conditioning and requires further
investigation. Small value doesnt guarantee correct results.
Ill conditioning does not necessarily result in FATAL errors, but could result in inaccurate answers.
Possible reasons for higher epsilon:
Unconnected degrees of freedom
Rigid Body Motions
Presence of Mechanisms
Unreasonably high stiffness elements
Very high stiffness difference between adjacent elements
ALWAYS CHECK EPSILON ON COMPLETION OF ANALYSIS

*** USER INFORMATION MESSAGE 5293 (SSG3A)
FOR DATA BLOCK KLL
LOAD SEQ. NO. EPSILON EXTERNAL WORK EPSILONS LARGER THAN .001 ARE FLAGGED WITH ASTERISKS
1 -2.6349048E-15 1.2322263E+05

Coordinate Systems in NASTRAN
BASIC:
Nastran defines a default rectangular global coordinate system at global origin [0, 0, 0].
LOCAL:
Nastran allows definition of local coordinate systems either directly or indirectly related the basic
coordinate system. The following bulk data cards are applicable.
All coordinate systems have a Coordinate System Identification Number (CIN). Basic Coordinate system
is identified by CIN=0 Y
Z
CORD1R
CORD2R
Rectangular System X , Y , Z
X
Z
CORD1C
CORD2C
Cylindrical System R, , Z

R
R, ,
CORD1S
Spherical System
CORD2S

R

Major Output options in NASTRAN
Type of output Case Control Card Output expected
Applied Loads OLOAD Form and type of applied load vector output
Reactions SPCFORCES Single point force constraint vector output
Displacements DISPLACEMENT Nodal Displacements
ELSTRESS Elemental Stresses
Stresses STRESS Elemental Stresses
GPSTRESS Grid Point Stresses

ESE Element Strain Energy
Strains
STRAIN Element Strain for Plate and Solid elements
ELFORCE Element Forces
Forces FORCE Element Forces
GPFORCE Grid Point Force balance

Consistent units
Examples of consistent units in SI System
Length mm Length m
Cross Sectional Area mm2 Cross Sectional Area m2
Area Moment of Inertia mm4 Area Moment of Inertia m4
Force N Force N
Moment N-mm Moment N-m
Elastic Modulus N/mm2 or MPA Elastic Modulus N/m2 or PA
Input
Input
Density tonnes/mm3 or Mg/mm3 Density kg/m3
Mass tonnes or Mg Mass kg
Stiffness N/mm Stiffness N/m
1g 9810 mm/sec2 1g 9.810 m/sec2
WTMASS WTMASS
Parameter 1.0 Parameter 1.0
Displacements mm Displacements mm
Output
Output
Stress N/mm2 or MPA Stress N/m2 or PA
Force N Force N
Moment N-mm Moment N-m

Introduction to Patran
Section 3 - Pre-processing
Patran GUI Main Form
Menu Bar
Work Flow
Applications
Display &
Viewing
Controls
Workflow
Application
View Port
Form

Patran Files
xxxx.db
This file contains the model and results
One for Model
A session file is opened on every Patran start-up and closed when you quit
xxxx.ses.01 from Patran. The session file contains all the commands performed in that
modeling sesson.
A file contains record of all the PCL commands from the database creation. It
xxxx.db.jou contains all the commands in all the modeling sessions for a specific
database.

Patran Capabilities
Creation of geometry for the analysis models (Geometry)

- Create geometry from entities like point, curve, surface, solid etc.
Import CAD geometry from standard tools (File Import)
- CADDS5, Catia, Pro/ENGINEER, Unigraphics, EUCLID3
Import geometry from CAD neutral formats (File Import)
- IGES, PARASOLID, ACIS
Create FE Mesh in explicit mode (Elements)
- Create nodes and elements
Build FE Mesh from imported/native geometry (Elements)
- Use of Automatic and semi-automatic features
Prepare the FE Model for Analysis/Solution (Loads/BCs, Materials, Properties, LoadCases, Fields)
- Apply properties, loads, boundary conditions etc.
Submission of job for Solution and Obtain results (Analysis)
- Select solution type and parameters, write analysis deck, import results
Visualisation and processing of Results
- Access Results, view and evaluate results in different modes (Results, InSight, XYPlot)

Typical Work Flow
Review
Import or build Create Perform
Analysis
geometry Analysis Model Analysis
Results
Nastran I/P
File (bdf)
Nastran O/P
File (op2)
Boundary Conditions
Verify and Import Results
Loading into Patran

Patran - New Database Creation
New...
Open
Close
Save
Save a Copy
Utilities
Import...
Export
Session Select the
Print directory where
Images database file has
Report to be created.
Quit
Enter the
filename of the
new database to
be created

Patran Controls
Changes color to inform Patrans status.
Green: waiting for a command
Blue: busy with an operation, but can be interrupted Hand:
Red: busy with an operation and cannot be interrupted Reset Graphics Stop/Interrupt
Stop or interrupt the operation in progress. Can be done

Heartbeat:
only when heartbeat in in Blue Push Window
Patran Status
Undo
Repaints the model. The model might require Refresh Graphics
repaint after deleting entities or windows overlapped
and cleared
Default window layering. Brings Patran

main display - Viewport and Application
Forms to the top.
Removes all the market plots, automatic titles,

deformed shape plots, highlighting etc
Viewport will be repainted in wireframe mode.
It can be used to Undo ONLY the most recent

operation. It is applicable for most Patran
commands.

Patran Display Controls
Rotate Center Display views (Front, Top, Iso etc)
View Center Plot/Erase Form
Fit View Label Control
View Window Point Display on/off
Zoom in/out Node Display on/off
Pan Grid on/off
Rotate about Z axis
Rotate about x/y axes

Patran Display Controls
Hide Labels
Show Labels
Shaded display
Hiddenline Display
Wireframe Display
Zoom in
Zoom out
Model Center

CAD Geometry import options
New
Open
Close
Save
Save a Copy
Utilities
Import...
ACIS
Export
Parasolid xmt
Session
CADDS5
Print
CATIA
Images
EUCLID3
Report
IDEAS
Quit
Pro/ENGINEER
Unigraphics
Express Neutral
IGES
MSC.Nastran Input
MSC.Patran DB
Neutral
STEP
STL
VDA

Structure of workflow application forms
Patran has structured all the workflow application forms with the three main options and further
associated details.
The three main

options that
perform most
actions in workflow

Entity selection filter
Entity selection filter allows specific type of entities to be screen picked. The selections depend
on what is being done e.g. create element using edit method will have the shown filter
Node 4 Node 3
Element to be created
Node 2
Node 1
Any Point
Point
Node
Curve intersect
A node for element creation can be defined
Point on a curve through several options in the Selection Menu
Any vertex Multi level selection filters might appear for some
options. E.g. curve intersect selection will open
Pierce next selection menu.
Point on surface
Screen Point

Geometric Entities
Patran allows Geometry entities to be created and manipulated using various facilities through
the Geometry Application.
For every Action item, appropriate Object and Method options will become available through
respective pull down menus.
As an example, A point can be created using different methods shown below.
Create
Delete Point
XYZ
Edit Curve
ArcCenter
Show Surface
Extract
Transform Solid
Interpolate
Verify Coord
Intersect
Associate Plane
Offset
Disassociate Vector
Pierce
Renumber
Project

Geometry - Point and Curve
2
3 4 3 4
1
1 2 1 2

Geometry - Surface and Solid
2
2
3 4
1 1 2
2
3 4
1 1 2

Geometry - Advanced features
Creation of a cylindrical surface
A circular arc is created by The circular arc is extruded

specifying radius and start along a vector to obtain
and end angles. cylindrical surface
160
10 200

2
1
2
1
1
3 v
1

Geometric - Advanced features
The center of the hole can be defined

through coordinates or by a point The center of the hole can be defined
through coordinates or by a point


5
12
Y
15
X
Z
X
Y
12
Y Z
15
X
Z Default global
coordinate
system
Points 12, 15 and 5 define

local X-Z plane

The 6 points 16 thru 21 are

created at uniform spacing
on the defined curve.

Intersecting Plane is
defined by three points

Finite Elements
Finite elements can be created and manipulated in explicit mode or in automatic and semi-
automatic means to build FE Models.
Patran application Elements provides different methods to create nodes, elements, MPCs etc,
model verification and interrogation.
Create
Transform Mesh seed
Curve
Sweep Mesh control
2 Curves
Renumber Mesh
Surface
Associate Node
Solid
Disassociate Element
On Mesh
Equivalence Superelement
Sheet Body
Optimize MPC
Adv. Surface
Verify DOF List
Show
Modify
Delete

Patran Meshing Methods
Manual Meshing (Explicit modeling)
Nodes are created manually
Elements are created by defining its topology nodes
Auto Meshing
Meshing of Geometric entities automatically
- BAR/ROD elements on curves
- QUAD/TRIA elements on surfaces
- HEX/TET elements on solids
Meshing methods:
- IsoMesh (for surfaces and solids)
- Paver (for surfaces)
- Tet Mesher (for solids)
Semi-automatic Meshing Extrude

Sweep Elements Glide
- 2D elements from 1D elements Sweep options Glide-Guide
Arc . . . . etc
- 3D elements from 2D elements
Transform Translate
- Nodes Transform options Rotate
- Elements Mirror

Finite Elements - Manual Meshing
Nodes are created by defining coordinate values. e.g. [10 20 0]
Elements are created by selection of nodes corresponding to the topology of the type of
element - 4 nodes are selected for Quad.
9 10 11 12 9 10 11 12
5 6 7 8 5 6 7 8
1 2 3
1 2 3 4
1 2 3 4

Finite Elements - Automatic Meshing
Any curve can be meshed with 1-D elements
Regular surfaces (GREEN) can be meshed with TRIA/QUAD elements using Isomesh features
Regular solids (BLUE) HEX/WEDGE elements with Isomesh
IsoMesh
HexMesh
IsoMesh
Paver
Hybrid

IsoMesh Vs Paver Mesh
A bi-parametric surface can be meshed with all Quad elements using Isomesh option
Patran displays such surfaces in GREEN colour
Isomesh
A non bi-parametric surface/trimmed surface can be meshed with all Quad elements using Paver or hybrid options
Patran displays such surfaces in MAGENTA colour
Paver Mesh

Hex/Wedge Isomeshing
Isomesh
Isomesh

Tetrahedral Meshing
Complex solid models with many features are very difficult to be meshed with HEX/Wedge
elements.
Tetrahedral Meshing is most suitable for complex geometries and Automeshing is possible.
Example: Typical Gear Rib

Solid geometry imported from CADDS5 part
Auto-meshed with Tetrahedral solid elements
Used for detailed analysis under ground and crashworthiness loads

Mesh Controls
Controls in Auto Meshing
Global Edge Length
Mesh seed
Hard points or curves
Number of elements previously defined along shared boundaries

Mesh Control
Global Edge Length
Edge Length = 10

Mesh Controls - Mesh Seed
Mesh seed is applied on few edges (top edge, two fillets and two holes.
Global edge length applies on the edges without Mesh Seed

Mesh Controls - Hard Points and Curves
Hard Points and Curves ( 4 points and 4 curves are associated with the surface)
Surface 1 is auto-meshed by
Paver Mesher (Iso-meshing will
not work in this case)

Mesh Control - Mesh along shared boundaries
Shared boundary edge between two surfaces

Semi-automatic Meshing - Sweep - Arc
3D elements are created from 2D elements by sweep operation.
Sweep Quad elements along a
circular arc.
The arc is defined by the Axis
and Sweep Angle.
Define number of elements along

the sweep path in Mesh Control.
Option available to delete
original 2D elements on creation
of the 3D elements.
Similarly 2D can be generated by sweeping 1D elements.

Semi-automatic meshing - Sweep - Extrude
Quad elements are created from the
element edges of the 2D elements.
Number of elements along the sweep

line is defined in Mesh Control

Semi-automatic meshing - Transform - Translate
Elements are translated and copied.
2
Elements can be moved to new
location by turning ON the Delete
Original Elements option.
1

Semi-automatic meshing - Transform - Mirror
Identical features of the structure can be generated by mesh transformation.
Mirror reflection is used here to produce the full plate from half plate mesh.
Mirror plane is defined by three

nodes.
Model is oriented to enable screen
pickup of the elements to be
mirrored.
Offset can be used if the mirrored
elements have to be copied at a
distance from the mirror plane.

Mesh Transition
Utilities FEM Elements Break Elements
Mesh refinement at the high stress gradient areas or for transition between
coarse and fine grids can be achieved from this utility as shown below.

Mesh Transition
Utilities FEM Elements Break Elements
Mesh transition at the mismatch between fine grid and coarse grid interface can
be components assembly.

Loads/BCs
This application allows definition and application of static and dynamic loads and boundary
conditions and apply to finite element models. They can be applied to geometry or finite elements.
Displacement
Force
Create Pressure
Show Tabular Temperature
Plot Contours Initial Displacement
Plot Markers Initial Velocity
Modify Velocity
Delete Acceleration
Distributed Load
CID Distributed Load
Total Load
Contact
Initial Temperature

Loads/BCs
Load and boundary conditions values are input in the Input Data Form and the area of application
is input in the Select Application Region Form
Input values are entered in the order of X,Y and Z degrees of
freedom in the form of a vector <x,y,z>
Inputs like Pressure, Temperature are entered in Scalar form.
Translations and Rotations:
NULL = Free DOF
0 = Fixed DOF
Any other number = Applied displacement or rotation
in the respective DOF
Example
Translations <0,,-1.6> Ux=0; Uy= Free; Uz=-1.6
Rotations <0,0,0> x=0; y=0 z=0
Forces and Moments:

NULL or 0 = Zero Force or Moment
Any other number = Applied Forces Force or moment in the
respective DOF
Example
Force < ,0,1245> Fx=0; Fy= 0; Fz= 1245
Moments <,-345,> Mx=0; My=-345; Mz=0
Loads/BCs - Displacement
An example of simple support boundary conditions applied along the edges of a rectangular plate
mesh.
The notation 123 implies SPC definition with Ux=0;

Uy=0 and Uz=0.
The DOF convention for SPCs and MPCs is:
Translations: 1 = Ux, 2 = Uy, 3 = Uz
Rotations: 4 = x, 5 = y, 6 = z

Loads/BCs - Force
A Force Vector < ,,-1000> defined in the default coordinate system to apply Fz= -1000 normal to
the plate. The application nodes are screen picked.
The convention for Force and Moment vectors is:

Forces: < Fx, Fy, Fz >
Moments: < Mx, My, Mz>
The loads/BCs can be applied to Geometry. If
applied to geometry, Patran will automatically
assign the loads/BCs to the appropriate nodes and
elements.
Advantage: If geometry is re-meshed
loads/BCs are automatically re-assigned.

Loads/BCs - Spatial Field
Loads and boundary conditions varying in space are defined using Spatial Fields.
Explained through an example of a sinusoidal axial
load applied on a cylinder.

Spatial Field
The filed defining load is defined as vector field here
since the load has to be defined as a vector <Fx, Fy,
Fz).
The field is defined to apply varying nodal force w.r.t its

coordinate as per Fz = 100*Sin ()
This function needs the nodal coordinates in cylindrical
coordinate system.
Construct the model in Cylindrical Coordinate System or

define cylindrical coordinate system and modify nodes.

Materials
This application provides ability to define specific material properties assignable to geometric
and finite element entities.
Different material models supported by Patran and Nastran are shown
below.
Create
Show Isotropic
The input form provides appropriate entry
2d Orthotropic options depending on constitutive model
Modify
3d Orthotropic
Delete
2d Anisotropic Linear Elastic
3d Anisotropic Nonlinear Elastic
Composite Hyperelastic
Elastoplastic
Manual Input
Failure
Material Selector Creep
Externally Defined

Properties
The properties application allows: define element specific properties, apply or associate to
geometry and elements; Properties are created as groups referred to as Property Sets. Property
sets reference materials. Also allows display of properties in tabular or visual mode.
Create 0D
1D
Show
Modify 2D
3D
Delete
Expand
Shell
Compress
Bending Panel
2D Solid
Membrane
Shear Panel

Load Cases
The load cases gives ability to group multiple loads and boundary
condition sets into a single load case for application to the model.
Multiple individual loads and BCs sets that were created in
Loads/BCs application can be combined into load case.
Provides a means of reuse of loads/BC sets with scale factors

Analysis
The analysis application provides means of setting up analysis file and send data to solver (e.g.
Nastran) and read results from output files.
This application works as a link between pre-processing and

post-processing environments of Patran and analysis solution
(Nastran run)
Provides ability to define:
- Desired analysis type
- Solution parameters
- Translation parameters
Sol101
- Sequence of load cases Sol106
- Output requests Sol103
Sol105
The Nastran solution types supported by Sol110
Sol111
Patran are: Sol112
Sol129

Analysis - Setup
The analysis file may be prepared for entire model or the current group.
Setup involves the following key selections:
- Data output type
- Solution Type
- Create subcases
- Result entities for output
- Select subcases

Best Practices - Meshing
Quad mesh is preferable compared to Tria mesh for 2D problems. Tria elements are stiffer
and generally gives poor results compared to Quad elements. Tria elements are primarily
meant for transition. Quad elements are usually well behaving.
In solids, Hex elements are preferable compared to Penta and Tetra elements. However, real
life structures that need analysis with solid elements, geometry is usually very complex (e.g.
Engine Block) and hence Hex meshing becomes expensive, very involved and time
consuming. Tetra elements are used for complex geometries.

Section 4 - Groups
Patran Groups
Patran allows organisation of database content through its Group feature with several
options.
Groups help breakdown the model into manageable segments. The entities in the
segments are stored as Groups for selective viewing.
Only posted groups can be displayed in the viewport. More than one group can be
posted.
Patran allows colour allocation to groups for better visualisation.
Data stored in groups can be modified - deletion, addition, move/copy across groups
Only one group is Set Current.
Use of Groups is very very essential for efficient model building

Patran Groups - Options
Multiple options are provided to create and manipulate data across groups
Create... Select Entity

Post... Property Set
Modify... Property Type
Move/Copy... Loads/BCs Set
Enter Name of the Loads/BCs Type
Set Current...
Group to be created
Transform... Material
Delete... Element Topology
Attributes... Add Entity Selection Element Shape
Add All Geometry Element ID
Select entities to be Add All FEM MPC Type
added to the Group Boolean
Add All Orphans
Add All Entities

Patran Groups - Current Group
Patran database opens with a default group named default_group and sets it as current
New entities are created in the Current Group only
If entities have to be created in a different group, change the current group using the Action: Set
Current
Current Group Name is displayed here
Default:
Any new Group
created will be
set to current
Group. Check
off, if new group
should not be
current group.

Patran Groups - An example
Gear Rib Mesh organised into different groups

Patran Groups - Colour assignment
The Groups can be posted with different colour assignment for better visualisation of complex
models.
Post the groups to view Assign colour to each group
Render style: Wireframe
Render style: Shaded

Patran Groups - another example
Flap Track attachment FE Model - Groups for individual
parts.

Patran Groups - Best Practices
Deletion of groups without removing its entities, might result in orphan entities (entities that
doesnt belong to any group).
It is recommended to check for presence of any orphan elements/nodes through Utilities.
When creating new entities, ensure that the Current Group is set properly.
Groups session files can be created using Utilities. It is recommended to keep Group
Session file and Nastran bulk data file as backup data pack. Retaining the database file is
expensive and prone to corruption.

FE Modeling
Section 5 Standards and Checks
Quality of the FE Model and Analysis
The results from any finite element analysis is as good or bad as the finite element
model.
It is therefore necessary to perform model verification systematically to ensure

correctness and accuracy of the model.
Standard finite element model checks and verifications are available from
references like NAFEMS, Nastran Manuals, Text books etc.
All standard pre-processing software provide facility of model quality checking.

With standard verifications.
Airbus has defined a Finite Element Analysis Manual (AM2036) as the basis for
preparation and exchange of FE Models for full aircraft model assembly.
AirbusUK has a QA procedure to validate locally developed finite elements models

used in projects
Standard FE Model Verification
Conformance to geometry
- Check for dimensions and correct geometry standard used for meshing. Use Drawings and/or CAD
models as necessary
Usage of appropriate element types
- Are the right elements used to simulate the expected structural behaviour.
Model Quality
- Check the FE Mesh quality attributes
Material Properties
- Check material property values and units for consistency
Element Geometric Properties
- Verify beam/bar sectional properties Area, Inertia, thickness, offsets etc)
Loads applied
- Verify load application areas, load values, directions etc.
Boundary Conditions
- Make sure that the constraints are applied at right location and correct DOFs are restricted.
Units
- Check for consistency of units used. Airbus practice is N, mm
MPCs and Rigid links (RBEs)
- Are the dependent and independent nodes and DOF defined correctly.
- Check if any RBEs are over constraining the structure.
- Verify RBE2s

QA of FE Model
The following model checks shall be performed on the FE model to ensure quality
assurance.
Free edge checks:
- Highlights element disconnects at interfacing nodes
- 1D elements always appear as free edges. Erase them to identify the cracks to be eliminated
- Care should be exercised if intentional disconnects are modelled.
Free face checks:
- This also helps identify unwanted free edges
Direction Normals:
- Ensure consistency of normals
- Ensure consistent element coordinate system
Shrink plot:
- Missing elements, collapsed elements can be detected in this plot by visual examination.
Coincident nodes:
- Remove coincident nodes by equivalence action in Patran
- If model has intentional duplicates. Identify them and isolate from equivalence action
Duplicate Elements:
- Identify elements with the same connectivity and remove unwanted
- The planned duplicate elements shall be retained and confirmed in the report.
Element Connectivity
- Ensure no elements failed connectivity test.

QA of FE Model (contd.)
Element Quality aspects:
- Verify the quality attributes like aspect ratio, skew, warp taper etc should within acceptable limits
- Acceptable limits
Aspect ratio: < 5 (recommended); Must be < 10; > 10 shall be justified
Taper: 0.8 < taper < 1.0 (recommended);
Warp: < 10Deg recommended)
Skew factor: 0 < skew factor < 0.33 (recommended);
MPCs and RBEs:
- Check dependent and independent DOFs as per the RBE/MPC rules. Confirm the relationships
defined do not conflict.
- Check that rigid elements do not produce erroneous load paths and undesired stiffness
Coordinate Systems
- Location and orientation of all coordinate systems must be confirmed and reported.
CELAS Elements
- Ensure CELAS elements have zero lengths and coincident nodes
- Check coordinate system for displacement of these nodes
Element Offsets
- Plot offsets uses in 2D and 1D elements and verify correctness of application
Material Coordinate Systems
- For composites verify material coordinate system and relative angle between material and element
coordinate systems.

QUAD element quality attributes
Aspect Ratio: Warp:
Ratio of Elements largest side to its adjacent side Warpage of the element represents out of plane
deviation
a
b
h
a Warp
a a
AspectRatio
b h
Taper: Skew:
Taper is the ratio of two triangular areas on the two It is the angle between the lines that join opposite
sides of a diagonal. mid sides

Skew
Taper

Good vs Bad Element Shapes
Good Bad

Shrink Plot
Use Display Finite Elements to bring up the Element Shrink option Missing Element
Shrink plots help locate missing

elements or collapsed elements
Collapsed Element

Shrink Plot
Entity colours can be

altered and labels can
1D elements or scalar elements
be switched on for clarity
can be distinguished from the
and better identification
2D or 3D elements

Free Edge and Free faces
Free edges and Free faces plot
reveals unwanted free edges within
the entities displayed in the viewport.
Conduct this verification for the select
groups or for the complete model.
Free edges to be avoided
Important:
1D elements are also shown as free
edges. Erase 1D (Rod, Bar, Beam)
elements from the display for this
verification.

Equivalence - Removal of free edges
Equivalence is one of the methods The nodes merged under
of removing undesirable free edges All equivalencing are highlighted as
Group below.
list
Equivalence can be done on selected

groups, list of entities by choosing
choosing appropriate Object.
Node merging tolerance can be
altered, if default value is inadequate
The existence of free edges in the
above model could potentially leave
rigid body motions in the model and
hence singularity in the solution.

Consistent Normals
Lack of consistent
normals will cause
difficulties in results
interpretation
especially stresses at
different layers of the
shell/plate elements.
E.g. In the
sample shown,
Z1 denotes upper
layer for part of
the plate and
lower layer for the
remaining.

Coincident Nodes

Duplicate Elements

Element Quality Attributes
The element quality parameters like Aspect Ratio, Skew, Taper,
Warp etc can be checked using Patran.
The default parameter values are listed in the Form and can be
altered.
Checks can be made for each parameter separately.
Failed elements are highlighted in the display.

Best Practices
Before constructing FE Models it is necessary to understand the structural behaviour of
the problem.
It is a good practice to spend adequate effort in mesh planning. Accuracy of the results
greatly depends on the assumptions.
Try to achieve flowing and good looking mesh. This has significant influence in reducing
local large variations of results.
Try to achieve regular mesh around discontinuities like holes and fillets.
For every successful Nastran analysis run, verify the results with simple hand calculations.
Check if deflections/stresses can be compared with simple hand calculations
Use simplest type of element that will do the job. Never use complicated or special
element unless we are very sure of its functionality
Use coarsest mesh that will capture dominant behaviour of the physical system
Use relatively fine mesh where you expect high gradients of stresses/strains
Sharp edges, cracks
entrant corners and cutouts
concentrated loads, reactions
abrupt changes in thickness, sectional properties, material properties
Check for the value of epsilon. If found > 10-6 there could be problems - check stability
Check static equilibrium between applied loads and reaction loads.
Pitfalls
Duplicate Nodes linked by MPCs, CELAS, GAP elements will not be deleted when
equivalenced. They have to be manually edited, if necessary.
Elements show up with zero element lengths could be collapsed elements.
Finer mesh/increased number of elements NOT necessarily lead to correct results, but
improves accuracy. Engineering judgement plays a significant role.
No FATAL ERRORs in the *.f06 file does not guarantee accuracy of analysis results

Section 6 - Post Processing
Patran Post-processing
Nastran outputs the results into a Patran readable file formats (OUTPUT2 or XDB). The
filenames created will be filename.op2 for OUTPUT2 format and filename.xdb for XDB format
The op2 or XDB file can be read into Patran database for processing.
In the structural analysis the following are the most commonly used results.
- Displacements
- Stresses
- Strains
- Forces
- Strain Energy
- Natural Frequencies & modeshapes
- Buckling load factors and modeshapes
The Analysis, Results, Insight and XY Plot applications of Patran allows accessing,
viewing, manipulation and presentation of results in various forms.

Analysis - Read Results
Analysis application allows import of Nastran created result file (*.op2 or *.xdb).
The commonly used format is OUTPUT2. Analysis

Optimize
Many result files(op2 files) can be read into the Access Results
same database. Read Input File
Delete
Attach XDB
Read output2
Result Entities
Model Data
Both

Results Application
The Results Application provides powerful tools to display result quantities in variety of ways.
Basics
Results associated with nodes or elements are of 3 types:
Scalar: Resuls with magnitude but no direction such as strain energy,
von-mises stress, temperature Quick Plot
Vector: 3 components such as displacements (Ux, Uy, Uz), forces (Fx, Deformation
Fy, Fz or Mx, My, Mz) Fringe
Marker
Tensor: 6 components such as stress (x, x, x, txy, txy, txz ) and strain
Cursor
(x, x, x, xy, yz, xz)
Graph
Animation
Report
Results
Freebody

Results
Most commonly used Result displays are Colour Banded Fringe Plots and icon/arrow
annotated Marker Plots.
Fringe Plots display colour bands based on nodal

averaged scalar values of results.
- The results at each node from its shared
elements are summed for averaging
- Result values within the boundaries are
computed using interpolating functions for
display
Marker Plots display the vector or tensor based results

as icons/arrows at the result locations
- Vector plots represent results as a vector of
three components or resultant;
- Tensor plots represent results in six components
e.g stress as 3 normal and 3 shear components.

Results Application Form
Results Options
Selection of Results
Target Entities
Von Mises
Display attributes
X Component
Select a load Plot options Y Component
case for Animation Options Z Component
which results XY Component
are to be YZ Component
post- ZX Component
processed XY Engr. Component
YZ Engr. Component
Select here the type of
ZX Engr. Component
result associated with
Max Principal
Result Case
Mid Principal
E.g Displacements, Min Principal
Stresses, Strains, Hydrostatic
Constraint Forces, etc 1st Variant
2nd Variant
The selected
Additional results 3rd Variant
deformation
selection control that Tresca
will be
appears when multiple Max Shear
applied on
layers exist. Octahedral
the structure
Max Principal 2D
along with
Min Principal 2D
the above
Tresca 2D
result
Max Shear 2D

Results - Quick Plot
Quickplot allows user to display the results on
deformed/undeformed structures quickly without
having to set Display Attributes, Target Entities etc.
It is designed to be used with default settings and
results will be displayed on all the FE entities
displayed on the viewport.
A tip loaded cantilever structure
Option to plot Fringes on deformed structure

Results - Fringe Plot
Fringe plot displays contoured bands of colour
representing range of result values.
Fringe plot allows selection of entities and
averaging domain unlike the Quick Plot.

Results Option - Display Attributes
The display attributes provides variety of display
parameters to alter the graphic display of results.
The parameters are dependent on the Object and
Method chosen.
A sample options for Fringe Plot as shown: Discrete/Smooth

Continuous
Allows alteration of colour spectrum Element Fill

Discrete Flat
Allows alteration of range of result Free Edges

values for the spectrum Element Edges
No Edges
Element shrink option

Results - Plot Options
Plot options allow
Transformation of results for display in user selected Coordinate
frame
Scale factor for results
Selection of domain for averaging.
Plot options allow results averaging to be performed over a

selected domain
All Entities: All elements will contribute to averaging irrespective
of certain elements selected for display
All Entities
Target Entities: Only the selected elements for display are used
Material
for averaging. Shared elements will not be used if they are not
Property
selected for display.
Target Entities
Material: Elements with the same material definition are used for Entity Type
averaging. None
Property: Elements with same property are used for averaging
Element Type: Elements of the same type will be used for
averaging.

Results - Element Fill Fringe
Patran allows color coding of individual elements
with respect to results at the center of the
element.
Stresses at the element center are expected to
be more accurate, especially for coarse meshes

Results - User defined range
Patran automatically assigns a Fringe range based on
minimum and maximum values of the result.
User can define a different range and plot.
Notice in the previous slide (min 0 and Max 377 are used.)
The range altered to Min=0 and Max=500.
Calculates the Fringes based

on Start and End Specified

Results - Deformation
Deformation plot displays deformed structure
with or without undeformed structure.
By default Patran uses model scale to

represent deformation visibly distinct from the
un-deformed
The scale can be altered by using Scale Factor
True Scale represents displacements to the
same scale as the geometry. The Model Scale
is representative.

Results for Targeted Entities
The Patran Results Application allows selection of Target Entities for
display of results.
This is applicable for Deformation, Fringe and Marker plots and
Reports, NOT for Quick Plots
Results can be plotted for a user selected elements using this facility.
Other user selection options include Groups,
materials, property sets and element types.

Results Option - Target Entities
The Results Option - Target Entities, provides facility of selection of entities for
display/reporting of results. Samples as below.
The target entity options will Current Viewport Current Viewport

depend on the Action and Object. Elements Nodes
Groups Elements
Materials Groups
Properties Materials
Element Types Properties
Element Types
Free Faces Nodes

Additional Display Control options Faces Elements
will be available based on the Free Edges Free Faces
selection option chosen for Target Edges Free Edges
Entity Corners

Results - Marker Plots
Result attributes are displayed in symbolic representation (Icons or
Arrows) of vector and tensors for nodes or elements
Allows display controls to obtain good readability and clarity on the plots.
Note the controls used(highlighted in RED Balloons) in the following plot.
Notice the differences in

the display attributes
from the default values
that appear in Patran.

Results - Cursor Plots
Allows results attributes to be displayed for the cursor selected
entities.
The target entities are selected dynamically by cursor
The Cursor Data form lists the selection and result attributes, Scalar
which can be written to a file Vector
Tensor

Graphs/XY Plots
Plots with Result value vs other variable like time or frequency,
model attributes such as distance, edge or other results variable.
Displacement
along defined
path is plotted

Results - Animation Plots
Animated display of results help understand results better
especially when dynamic forces are involved. It is very useful
for Deformations, Normal modes and buckling results etc.
Stops animation and reverts to

Results Application
Check to display results in animation mode.

Results - Reports
The report generates textual output of results, instead of displaying on
graphic viewport.
The options work the same way as other results processing.
Typical report output
MSC/PATRAN Version 9.0 - Analysis Code: MSC/NASTRAN
Load Case: 1328 A388 LABELCGVL037840, Static Subcase
Result Stress Tensor, - Layer At Z1
Entity: Element Tensor
-Entity ID---Max Principal 2D--Min Principal 2D-

62112130 296.828033 4.924147
62113030 301.123962 6.719244
MSC/PATRAN Version 9.0 - Analysis Code: MSC/NASTRAN
Load Case: 1328 A388 LABELCGVL037840, Static Subcase
Result Stress Tensor, - Layer At Z2
Entity: Element Tensor
-Entity ID---Max Principal 2D--Min Principal 2D-

62112130 288.199280 3.159263
62113030 291.781403 4.977996
SUMMARY INFORMATION
_________________________
Min/Max Values
-Source ID--Entity ID---Sub ID----Max Principal 2D-
Min: 2 62112130 0 288.199280
Max: 1 62113030 0 301.123962
-Source ID--Entity ID---Sub ID----Min Principal 2D-
Min: 2 62112130 0 3.159263
Max: 1 62113030 0 6.719244
Result Sources
-Source Id---Loadcase Name---------Subcase Name---------Layer Name----
1 1328 A388 LABELCGVL037840 Static Subcase At Z1
2 1328 A388 LABELCGVL037840 Static Subcase At Z2

Results - Derive New Results Cases
New result cases can be derived from the result cases available in the database. The result
methods include combine, Maximum, minimum, average, sum etc.
Scale factors can be defined The user defined

for each result case selected new Result Case Name
(Default = 1.0) and Subcase Name
Select the result

cases to be
used with
desired scale
factors
Select the
specific result
type to be used
for new result
case.

Results - Free body
Displays a free body diagram on a selected portion of the model. The plots are usually in the
form of vectors with three components or resultants.
Selected
elements of
the free body
Free body
displacements
displayed at the
boundary

Best Practices
Stress results are best viewed as Fringe Plots with averaging domain chosen as Target Entities
(Results -> Plot Options), when results are processed only for part of the FE Model. This is
particularly relevant when model has many components.
Example: Max principal stresses on lower cover for Wing Bending loads
Averaging across all entities Averaging on Target Entities only

The stresses displayed in this plot are
misleading, as the averaging includes The fringes consider only the entities
Ribs as they share nodes with covers posted in viewport to average the stresses

Best Practices
Marker plots with vector directions gives enables good understanding of the flow of stresses
as compared to fringe plots
Example: Stress distribution around WLGSS inboard manhole for ground loads
Flow of loads is along the major axis of the

This plot doesnt give any clue on flow of loads
manhole. Stress concentration could be expected
a the ends of minor axis.

Nastran output (f06)
Sample outputs printed in f06 file:
LOAD SEQ. NO. EPSILON EXTERNAL WORK EPSILONS LARGER THAN .001 ARE FLAGGED WITH ASTERISKS
1 -1.5806385E-14 1.2291786E+03
2 1.3386815E-14 4.0879827E+03
3 -4.1795998E-12 5.1458550E+05
4 -1.9945912E-13 1.6050848E+02
MAXIMUM DISPLACEMENTS
T1 T2 T3 R1 R2 R3
1 1.6442108E-01 6.4844109E-02 2.1283573E-02 4.0265563E-04 1.1832205E-03 1.8594716E-03
2 3.1970561E-01 2.0877111E-01 1.3497204E-02 6.6789938E-04 6.6618086E-04 3.7692687E-03
3 1.0503483E+01 6.3489227E+00 2.3738052E+01 1.3750108E-01 3.2086650E-01 5.9134979E-02
4 7.3828049E-02 4.4316429E-01 3.3714917E-01 2.3115128E-02 3.8112740E-03 8.9011006E-03
MAXIMUM APPLIED LOADS

T1 T2 T3 R1 R2 R3
1 2.5000000E+04 .0000000E+00 .0000000E+00 .0000000E+00 .0000000E+00 .0000000E+00
2 .0000000E+00 3.0000000E+04 .0000000E+00 .0000000E+00 .0000000E+00 .0000000E+00
3 .0000000E+00 .0000000E+00 2.5000000E+04 .0000000E+00 .0000000E+00 .0000000E+00
4 .0000000E+00 .0000000E+00 .0000000E+00 1.0000000E+04 .0000000E+00 .0000000E+00

Introduction to Nastran
Section 7 Advanced Analysis
Modal/Normal Modes Analysis
Modal /Normal Nodes analysis is to determine the natural frequencies and
mode shapes, which are the native characteristics of a structure.
The governing equation is:

M u K u 0 . . . . . (1)
K
where
M : Mass Matrix
K : Stiffness Matrix
M u
To solve the above equation, assume u sin t . . . . . (2)
Differentiating the assumed displacement twice, u sin t

2
. . . . . (3)
Substituting (2) and (3) into (1), gives 2 M sin t K sin t 0
K M 0
2 . . . . . (4)
In this Eqn. (4), 0 is a trivial solution, Hence K 2 M 0 setting 2
It becomes an eigenvalue problem K M 0 Normal Modes Analysis solves this equation

Solving the above, the eigenvalue, and the eigenvector, {}. The natural frequency is computed as

f
2
Patran pre-processing for Modal/Buckling Analysis
When model building and assignment of properties is complete, the number of required first frequencies and
the method of eigenvalue extraction are selected as follows:
The number
of
eigenvalues
requested

Nastran Eigenvalue Extraction Methods
Normal modes analysis ( K M 0 ) and buckling analysis ( K cr K ref du 0) use eigenvalue
extraction techniques to calculate natural frequencies and buckling load factors, respectively.
Nastran offers three methods of eigenvalue extraction:
Transformation methods
- Transforms matrix into special form to enable easy extraction of roots
Tracking methods.
- Uses iterative techniques for extraction of roots one by one
The Lanczos method combines the benefits of both the transformation and tracking methods
Lanczos Method
Automatic Givens method
Automatic Householder method
Modified Givens method
Transformation methods
Modified Householder method
Givens method
Householder method
Enhanced inverse method
Tracking methods
Inverse method

Eigenvalue Methods

Buckling Analysis
Linear static analysis assumes that the structure is in stable equilibrium and hence the system
returns to its original state when disturbed.
Stable equilibrium Neutral equilibrium Unstable equilibrium
As load increases, structure could move from stable equilibrium to unstable equilibrium, where
small disturbance or further increment of load results in Buckling.
Buckling means loss of stability of an equilibrium configuration without fracture or separation of

the material.
Buckling is explained from the familiar column buckling theory.

Buckling Analysis
P
From Eulers buckling theory, P Primary path
the buckling load of a beam with Bifurcation Point Secondary path
simple supported ends is EI
2
L2
EI
2
w
Pcr
L2 Increasing
imperfection
w
Buckling theory assumes existence of a Bifurcation Point. At bifurcation load, two equilibrium
states (stable and unstable) are possible:
Column remaining straight (primary path)
Column buckled with lateral deflection (secondary path)
The bifurcation point is possible for a perfect systems without any imperfections. The
imperfections could be
eccentricity of load
deviation in geometric shape
variation in sections etc.
The imperfection in the system changes the course of Load-Deflection curve as shown by
dashed curves without a bifurcation point.
Buckling Theory
Linear Static Analysis solves: K u F

The derivation of conventional stiffness Matrix [K ] considers only the linear terms of the
strain-displacement relations.
u 1 2u 2 v 2 w u v u u v v w w
x xy
x 2 dx 2 dx 2 dx 2 y x dx dy dx dy dx dy
v 1 2u 2 v 2 w v w u u v v w w
y 2 2 2 yz
y 2 dy dy dy z y dy dz dy dz dy dz
w 1 2u 2 v 2 w w u u u v v w w
z zx
z 2 dz 2 dz 2 dz 2 x z dx dz dx dz dx dz
Nonlinear terms Nonlinear terms
With the inclusion of nonlinear terms, the derivation of stiffness matrix will result in an
additional component called stress stiffness matrix or geometric stiffness matrix [K ].
The geometric stiffness matrix [K ] is defined by the displacement field and state of stress
due to the applied loads (reference)

Buckling by FEA
With the introduction of [K ] the Force-Displacement relationship will become
K K u F
The combined stiffness [K ] + [K ] accounts for softening or stiffening effects of loads on
stiffness of the structure and hence used to solve buckling problems.
The governing equation for buckling analysis is: K K du 0

cr ref
Stress stiffness matrix or

K = Conventional Global Stiffness Matrix K ref = geometric stiffness matrix at
reference loading
Nastran solves this eigenvalue problem in the buckling solution (Sol105). The lowest
eigenvalue cr is associated with buckling.

Buckling Eigenvalue problem
Assume a structure is applied to a reference level of loading: F ref
Carry out a standard static analysis leads to state of stress in the structure and hence geometric
stiffness matrix can be generated.
K K uF
ref ref
for another load level with
a scalar multiplier,
K K u F
ref ref
Say cr a scalar multiplier to bring the structure to the state of buckling

K K u
cr ref cr Fref . . . . (1)
At the state of buckling or instability, infinitesimal displacement does not change the
external loads, hence
K K u du
cr ref cr Fref . . . . (2)
K K du 0
The critical or buckling load is
(2) - (1)
cr ref F cr cr F ref
Buckling Eigenvalue problem
cr Eigenvalue
solved by FEA du Eigen vector (modeshape)

Nastran cards for buckling solution (Sol105)
Data needed for eigenvalue analysis is defined using EIGRL entry for LANCZOS method.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
EIGRL SID V1 V2 ND MSGLVL MAXSET SHFSCL NORM
SID = Set identification number

V1, V2 = eigenvalue range of interest. (Roots are calculated in increasing order of magnitude.
close to zero are found first.)
ND = Number of desired roots
MSGLVL = Diagnostic level ( 0 to 4), default = 0
MAXSET = Number of vectors in a block or set (default = 7 on most machines)
SHFSCL = Estimate of first flexible mode natural frequency
NORM = Method of normalising eigenvectors
Default = MAX (Normalise to unit value of largest displacement)
Other cards can also be used for Eigenvalue analysis:

EIGB : For buckling analysis (for Inverse power methods only)
EIGC : For complex eigenvalue analysis
EIGR : For real eigenvalue analysis with alternate methods
The data set must be selected with the case control command
METHOD = SID
Nastran Input File - Subcases
Alternate Eigenvalue entry:
If eigenvalue analysis method is one of inverse power methods, data is provided using EIGB
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
EIGB SID METHOD L1 L2 NEP NDT NEN
NORM G C
SID = Set identification number

METHOD = Method of eigenvalue extraction
INV : Inverse power method
SINV : Enhanced inverse power method
L1, L2 = Range of interest of eigenvalues
NEP = Estimated number of roots in positive range not used for SINV
NDP, NDN = Number of positive and negative roots desired (default = 3* NEP)
NORM = Method of normalising eigenvectors
MAX : Normalise to unit value of largest displacement (default)
POINT : Normalise vector to the unit value of the component defined in G and C fields
G= Grid or scalar point indentification number (for NORM = POINT only)
C= Component number (for NORM = POINT and G is a grid point only)

Patran interface for Sol105
Analysis Application provides ability to input necessary data for buckling
solution and eigenvalue analysis

Patran Buckling Solution interface
Nastran input file should have two subcase entries for the defined Load Case.
Subcase-1: Linear Static Analysis
Subcase-2: Eigenvalue Analysis
(Extraction of buckling load factors and modeshapes)
Nastran Buckling solution sequence(Sol105) allows only one Load Case
Subcase-2 will be automatically

generated by Patran for the
selected Load Case.
Note:
Subcase-1 does linear static analysis
without [K] component.
The results from subcase-1 will be
used to compute [K].
Subcase-2 then performs eigenvalue
extraction.

Nastran input file - an example
SUBCASE 1
$ Subcase name : Axial Load Case
SUBTITLE=Axial Load Case
SPC = 2 Subcase for Step-1:
LOAD = 2 linear static analysis
STRESS(CENTER)=ALL
SUBCASE 2
$ Subcase name : Axial Load Case
SUBTITLE=Axial Load Case Subcase for Step-2:
SPC = 2
Eigenvalue and
METHOD = 1
VECTOR(PLOT,SORT1,REAL)=ALL Eigen vector solution
BEGIN BULK
PARAM POST -1
PARAM AUTOSPC YES
PARAM PRTMAXIM YES For Lanczos Method:
EIGRL 1 6 0
$ Direct Text Input for Bulk Data 6 eigenvalues are requested. All other options are on default.
EIGB 1 INV .5 10. 6 5 4 For Inverse iteration methods

MAX Estimated roots: 6 Eigen value range of interest:
Desired +ve roots: 5 0.5 to 10
Desired -ve roots: 4

Buckling of real structure
Linear eigenvalue analysis by FEA predicts buckling ( cr ) at the Bifurcation Point
A realistic structure may collapse at a load significantly lower than Bifurcation Point
Primary path Bifurcation Point

Limit point
Limit point
P P
Primary path
Pcr
Secondary path
Secondary path
Pcr (post buckling)
(post buckling)
Bifurcation Point Realistic structure (with imperfections)
Limit point (imperfect structure)

A Structure with Linear Primary path: A structure with non-linear Primary path:
- has post buckling strength - has NO post buckling strength
- Pcr signifies only local buckling action - imperfection sensitive
- structure finally collapses at limit point - collapse at limit load (imperfect curve)

Assumptions & Limitations
The deflections must be small.
The element stresses must be elastic.
A minimum of five grid points per half sine wave (buckled shape) is recommended.
The distribution of the internal element forces due to the applied loads remains constant.
Offsets should not be used in beam, plate, or shell elements for buckling analysis.
For 3-D buckling problems, the use of PARAM,K6ROT is recommended for CQUAD4 and CTRIA3 elements. A
value of 100 is recommended.
For structures that exhibit nonlinear material or large deflection deformations, the linear buckling load obtained
from Solution 105 may be different than the actual buckling load.

Non-linear Analysis
Nonlinear effects in structure arises out of
changes in material properties - material nonlinearity
changes in configuration - geometric nonlinearity
Linear Nonlinear
( )
F (hardening)
Non-linear Linear
Nonlinear
(F )
Nonlinear
(softening)
F1
Linear
1 2 3
Material nonlinearity effects: Geometric nonlinearity effects:
Plasticity Large displacements and rotations
Non-linear elastic Follower forces
Creep Contact
Hyperelasticty Large Strains
Viscoelasticity

Nonlinear analysis
Commonly used Material nonlinear Models in Nastran are

loading loading
unloading unloading
Elastic Plastic Model Nonlinear Elastic Model
Other material nonlinear models include:

Hyperelastic material model: used to analyse elastomers upto large strains. Materials include synthetic or
natural rubbers used in components like Seals, gaskets, O-Rings, Tires etc.

Nastran entries for Nonlinear analysis
The unique and crucial data required for nonlinear solution is defined through NLPARM entry
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
NLPARM ID NINC DT KMETHOD KSTEP MAXITER CONV INTOUT
EPSU EPSP EPSW MAXDIV MAXQN MAXLS FSTRES LSTOL
MAXBIS MAXR RTOLB
ID = Reference number for NLPARM entry in sub case definition

NINC = Number of increments
DT = Incremental time interval for creep analysis.
KMETHOD = Method of controlling stiffness matrix updates (AUTO, ITER, SEMI)
KSTEP = Number of iterations before stiffness update (applicable for KMETHOD = ITER)
MAXITER = Limit on number of iterations for each load increment
CONV = Flag for convergence criteria (U - Displacement, F - Force, W - Work or any combination e.g PW)
INTOUT = Intermediate output flag (YES, NO, ALL)
EPSU, EPSP, EPSW = Error tolerance for Displacement, Force and Work criteria = 1e-3, 1e-3 and 1e-7 respectively
MAXDIV =
MAXQN =
MAXLS =
FSTRES =
Descriptions can be found from Nastran Quick Reference Guide.
LSTOL =
MAXBIS =
MAXR =
RTOLB =

Nonlinear analysis - Load Increments
Load sequence for nonlinear analysis is defined using multiple subcases. Nonlinear solution divides load
applied in each subcase into load increments.
NINC parameter in the NLPARM entry defines the number of equal subdivisions of the load change for the
subcase. The load difference from the previous subcase is divided by NINC to define current subcase load
increment.
Example: Load increment in Subcase 2 = (135 -100)/7 = 5
F
275
135
100
Load Increment = 20
NINC = 5 NINC = 7
Subcase 1 Subcase 2 Subcase 3

FORCE = 100 FORCE = 135 FORCE = 275

Typical Subcase Definition
Sample Subcase definitions for nonlinear analysis (Sol106)
SUBCASE 1 BEGIN BULK
$ Subcase name : LC1 PARAM POST -1
SUBTITLE=LC1 PARAM AUTOSPC NO
NLPARM = 1 PARAM LGDISP 1
SPC = 2 PARAM PRTMAXIM YES
LOAD = 2 NLPARM 1 10 AUTO 5 25 YES
DISPLACEMENT(PLOT,SORT1,REAL)=ALL NLPARM 2 10 ITER 5 25 NO
SPCFORCES(PLOT,SORT1,REAL)=ALL NLPARM 3 10 SEMI 5 25 YES
STRESS(PLOT,SORT1,REAL,VONMISES,BILIN)=ALL .
$ Direct Text Input for this Subcase .
SUBCASE 2 .
$ Subcase name : LC2 $ Loads for Load Case : LC1
SUBTITLE=LC3 SPCADD 2 5
NLPARM = 2 LOAD 2 1. 1. 1
SPC = 2 $ Displacement Constraints of Load Set : bc1
LOAD = 4 SPC1 5 123456 1
DISPLACEMENT(PLOT,SORT1,REAL)=ALL $ Loads for Load Case : LC2
SPCFORCES(PLOT,SORT1,REAL)=ALL LOAD 4 1. 1. 3
STRESS(PLOT,SORT1,REAL,VONMISES,BILIN)=ALL $ Loads for Load Case : LC3
$ Direct Text Input for this Subcase LOAD 6 1. 1. 5
SUBCASE 3 $ Nodal Forces of Load Set : load1
$ Subcase name : LC3 FORCE 1 21 0 100. 0. -1. 0.
SUBTITLE=LC3 $ Nodal Forces of Load Set : load2
NLPARM = 3 FORCE 3 21 0 145. 0. -1. 0.
SPC = 2 $ Nodal Forces of Load Set : load3
LOAD = 6 FORCE 5 21 0 275. 0. -1. 0.

Nonlinear solution
Nonlinear solution is iterative to account for stiffness update with geometry/material changes.
Element coordinates are updated at defined intervals or automatically
Convergence criteria is used for stiffness updates
Stiffness matrix needs update at intermediate intervals to reflect hardening/softening

behaviour
Linear
K2
K1 K3
P
K4
Nonlinear

linear non-linear

Patran Interface
Nonlinear analysis parameters are defined through different forms provided
through the Analysis application.
Solution Parameters allow definition of the PARAM cards:
LGDISP
AUTOSPC

Patran Interface
NLPARM parameters are defined through Subcase Parameters form.
Each subcase requires individual NLPARM definition. The parameters can be
different from subcase to subcase.
The parameters that get defined are:
NINC
KMETHOD
KSTEP
MAXITER
EPSU
EPSP
EPSW

Patran Interface
Output requests have to be selected for individual subcases.
Different output requests can be chosen for individual subcases.
Intermediate output (INTOUT) option of NLPARM is defined here.
Basic
Advanced
Yes
No
All

Nastran entries for Non-linear materials
MATS1defines nonlinear elastic and elastic-plastic materials. This entry used with MAT1, MAT2
or MAT9 for nonlinear solution.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
MATS1 MID TID TYPE H YF HR LIMIT1 LIMIT2
MID = Material identification number of a MAT1, MAT2 or MAT9

TID = Table identification number for the tables defining stress dependent properties
TYPE = Type of material nonlinearity
NLELAST for nonlinear elastic
PLASTIC for elastic-plastic
H = work hardening slope
YF = Yield function criteria
1 = von Mises (Default)
2 = Tresca
3 = Mohr Coulomb
4 = Drucker-Prager
HR = Hardening rule
1 = Isotropic (Default)
2 = Kinematic
3 = combined isotropic and kinematic
LIMIT1 = Initial Yield point
LIMIT2 = Internal friction angle for Mohr-Coulomb and Drucker-Prager models

Nastran entries for nonlinear materials
TABLES1 defines a function for stress dependent material properties or experimental data for hyperelastic
material.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
TABLES1 TID y5
x1 y1 x2 y2 x3 y3 x4 y4
x5 y5 ENDT
y4
y3
xi, yi = Tabular values. e.g. stress strain curve y2
ENDT = Flag indicating end of table
y1
x1 x2 x3 x4 x5
TABLEST combines many of the above entries for temperature
dependent material properties
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
TABLEST TID
T1 TID1 T2 TID2 T3 TID3 ..etc.. ENDT
Ti = Temperature values
TIDi = TID of TABLES1 entry for the corresponding temperature

Non-linear analysis
Nonlinear geometric effects is defined by PARAM cards
PARAM, LGDISP, -1 No large deflection effects will be considered (Default)
Large deflection effects will be considered (Updated element

PARAM, LGDISP, 1
coordinates and follower forces)
Follower forces will be ignored, but large deflection effects

PARAM, LGDISP, 2
will be considered
Follower Force
In the deformed position the load applied is no

more vertical. Instead the force followed the
structure to its deformed state.

Nonlinear analysis - Limitations
The following NASTRAN elements are only allowed to be solved in non-linear statics with
material and/or geometric nonlinearity
CROD CQUAD4 CHEXA
CONROD CQUAD8 CPENTA
CTUBE CTRIA3 CTETRA
CBEAM CTRIA6
CGAP
Elastic-Plastic materials can not be temperature dependent.

References
MSC.Patran
User Guides
Reference Manuals
MSC.Nastran
Quick Reference Guide

Getting Started Users Guide
Linear Static Analysis Users Guide
Basic Dynamic Users Guide
Numerical Methods Users Guide
Nastran Preference Guides

Further Study References
Lakshminarayanan H V, Finite Element Analysis, Universities Press, India,
2004.
Tirupathi R. Chandrupatla et al., Introduction to Finite Elements in Engineering,
Prentice-Hall of India, 1996.
Bathe, K.-J., Finite Element Procedures in Engineering Analysis, Prentice Hall,
Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1982.
Cook, R. D., Malkus, D. S. and Plesha, M. E., Concepts and Application of
Finite Element Methods, 3rd ed., Wiley, New York, 1989.
Zienkiewicz, O. C., Taylor, R. E., The Finite Element Method, 4th ed., McGraw-
Hill, London, Vol. I: 1988, Vol II: 1993.

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FEM Nastran/ Patran

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Section 2: Nastran - Basics

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Section 3 Patran - Preprocessing

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Summary for Day 3

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To analyse a structure by the FE Method, the engineering

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Elements are assigned a thickness

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At section A-A, the Bending Moment is M P( L x) x

with non-uniform sections, optimization holes, stiffeners and other features

Finite Element Model

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Where K is the axial stiffness of the rod, which is a structural characteristic.

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A systematic and generalised formulation of stiffness matrices is possible based

15 CAE_SE02_UNIT3 Ver: 0.0b

Collection of element stiffness

K = Is the Global Stiffness Matrix

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Stiffness matrices, k (element) and K (global/structure) are square and symmetric

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This will give three linear simultaneous equations as follows.

(k1 k2 )u2 k2u3 0 where

Realistically a structural analysis problem could have a

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Pre & Structural Thermal Computational

ANSYS - Structural X X Basic Structural Analysis

ABAQUS/CAE X Modeling environment supporting pre and post processing facilities.

LS-DYNA X Transient dynamic analysis focussed explicit FE program

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MSC.Patran is a pre and post processing software program that enables:

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Analyzing the Model with

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Pre-processing Solution Post-processing

Analysis Output files

Analysis Input File

26 CAE_SE02_UNIT3 Ver: 0.0b

Control Panel for executing

Frame work for each simulation Data exchange pathway through

27 CAE_SE02_UNIT3 Ver: 0.0b

Nastran input file Nastran output files

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Linear Static Analysis - SOL101

Modal Analysis - SOL103

Non-linear Static Analysis - SOL106

Buckling Analysis - SOL105

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Additional output file from Nastran

xxxx.pch An optional analysis results file

Created in the running directory during Nastran run.

It is a database file containing input file, assembled matrix and solutions

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$ Linear Static Analysis, Database